Kumar Bahukhandi
IN Short
*This is not just my space journey, but the space journey of all Indians; every child’s dream of space travel will be fulfilled: Group Captain Shubhanshu
*Chief Minister inaugurates the state’s first space center under the Antariksh Sangwari program
*Chief Minister makes a major announcement: The Antariksh Sangwari initiative will be expanded in the state
*Space Sangwari centers will be opened in all districts of the state
Raipur: The space center will become a laboratory for fulfilling the dreams of young people. This center is a strong foundation for the state’s scientific future, and space centers will be expanded throughout the state, CM Sai said .
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai was addressing the Antariksh Sangwari program, organised under Project Antariksh by the district administration in Rakhi, Nava Raipuron Tuesday February 3, 2026 , where he formally inaugurated Chhattisgarh’s first space center along with Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.
The Chief Minister announced the expansion of the Antariksh Sangwari initiative throughout the state, with the opening of space centers in all districts.
The Chief Minister warmly welcomed and felicitated Group Captain and astronaut Dr. Shubhanshu Shukla to the sacred land of Chhattisgarh. He said that personalities like Dr. Shubhanshu Shukla are symbols of inspiration for the youth, whose space journey has brought glory to the country.
Interacting with the children, the Chief Minister said that from today, their dreams are getting wings, and their horizons have become even wider. This space center is not just a building, but a laboratory for the dreams of children, where they will be able to understand science beyond textbooks through experiments and research.
Referring to the achievement of children from Jashpur district in rocket building, he said that this example shows that there is no dearth of talent in Chhattisgarh; only the right opportunity is needed, which this center will provide.
Chief Minister Sai said that space science is no longer just a subject of curiosity, but has become a major field for employment and careers. Due to ISRO’s global credibility, India is playing a leading role in the world of space today. In the coming times, this center will provide children with direct training in modern technological fields such as satellite manufacturing, tracking, weather forecasting, and cloud mapping.
He said that this space center will provide farmers with accurate weather and crop-related information, directly benefiting agriculture. It will also create technology-based employment opportunities and curb the migration of youth to metropolitan cities. The Chief Minister, referring to Operation Sindoor, stated that satellite technology plays a crucial role in national security and defense, and the importance of space science in this sector will only increase in the future, he added.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla shared his experiences related to space travel, saying that a tremendous amount of energy is required when a rocket is launched, and it reaches space from zero to approximately 30,000 kilometers per hour in a very short time.
Describing Chhattisgarh as a vibrant state, he said that the children here possess immense potential and curiosity. He specifically thanked the Chief Minister, stating that the inauguration of the space center in the state is a significant and far-sighted step towards connecting children with space science.
He mentioned that during the inauguration of the clean station, he observed the Chief Minister himself wearing the special dress and cap before entering the station. He expressed his delight at this, saying that when the head of the state shows such interest, it reflects his clear and forward-thinking vision for the future of children and youth.
Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, referring to an online interaction with students from the state on September 5, 2025, said that a child from Chhattisgarh had asked him, “You have told us everything, but please tell us whether you completed the homework given by the Prime Minister or not.” He said that this question reflects the sharp intellect and keen observation of the children.
