India's space ambitions have taken a decisive leap forward. At a packed press conference in Bengaluru, the Indian Space Research Organisation unveiled "Project Shakti," a phased programme to construct a semi-permanent crewed research base in the Moon's south polar region by 2041.
The announcement comes on the back of Chandrayaan-4's successful extraction of water ice samples last year — a discovery that fundamentally changes the economics of long-duration lunar stays. Water ice can be converted into hydrogen fuel and breathable oxygen, dramatically reducing the cost of supply missions from Earth.
India has invited international partners to participate, and early signals from the European Space Agency and Japan's JAXA suggest a multinational coalition may form. The United States has indicated interest but has yet to formally commit.
"The Moon is not the destination — it is the launchpad," said ISRO Chairman Dr. Rajiv Nair. "From there, the solar system is within reach."