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Context:

India to host the 12th edition of the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2025) from 7th to 9th May 2025 in New Delhi.

What is GLEX 2025?

The 12th Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2025) brings together scientists, astronauts, engineers, and space leaders from over 50 countries to discuss the future of space exploration.

The theme, “Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance,” focuses on new ideas, teamwork across nations, and including everyone in space science.

Who Organizes GLEX 2025?

International Astronautical Federation (IAF)

It was founded in 1951, is a global group with over 500 members from 78 countries, including space agencies like NASA, ISRO, and private companies. Its goal is to connect space experts and promote cooperation.

The IAF organizes the GLEX series to share knowledge and plan joint space missions. Its motto, “Connecting @ll Space People,” reflects its mission to unite the global space community.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

It works under the Department of Space (DOS), directly reporting to the Prime Minister. Its mission is to use space technology for India’s development—think weather forecasting, communication, disaster management, and scientific discovery.

Since its formation in 1969, ISRO has grown into a global space powerhouse despite a modest budget of about $1.6 billion, much smaller than NASA’s $25 billion.

Astronautical Society of India (ASI)

It is a professional body that promotes astronautics (the science of space travel and exploration) in India. Based in Bengaluru, ASI works closely with ISRO to advance space research and inspire young scientists.

It organizes conferences, awards, and workshops to recognize contributions to India’s space program.

Key Highlights of GLEX 2025

PM announces that an Indian astronaut will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2025 as part of a joint ISRO-NASA mission. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot the Axiom-4 mission, becoming the first Indian to visit the ISS in 40 years. ISRO also plans to launch the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035, opening new research opportunities.

The summit discusses advanced topics like deep-space exploration, satellite manufacturing, and private sector involvement. India invites global companies to partner in these areas, showing its open and collaborative approach.

India’s Space Achievements Showcased at GLEX 2025

• Chandrayaan-3 (2023): India becomes the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole, a major scientific achievement.
• Gaganyaan Mission (2025): India prepares to send a three-member crew to low-Earth orbit for three days, joining the USA, Russia, and China as nations capable of human spaceflight.
• Space Docking (January 2025): ISRO successfully docks two satellites in orbit, a complex technology that only the USA, Russia, and China had mastered before. This supports future missions like space stations and interplanetary exploration.
• Soorya Launch Vehicle: ISRO designs a next-generation rocket to support human Moon landings by 2040, showing long-term ambition.
• 100th Launch (January 2025): ISRO marks its 100th launch from Sriharikota with the NVS-02 satellite, part of India’s NavIC navigation system.

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Source: 

PIB