India took significant strides in both space exploration and defence technology, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) working on extending the lifespan of future lunar landers to up to 200 days, while the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated advanced ballistic missile defence and anti-ship missile capabilities.
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said the space agency, in collaboration with the Department of Atomic Energy, is developing technologies that could allow lunar landers to survive for 100–200 days, a major leap from the 14-day operational life of the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander.
The effort focuses on overcoming the harsh lunar night, when temperatures plunge and solar power becomes unavailable. To address this challenge, ISRO is developing artificial heating systems capable of protecting spacecraft electronics and instruments during extended periods of darkness.
"If we succeed, such landers can survive for 100 to 200 days instead of only 14 days," Narayanan said, highlighting the potential breakthrough for future lunar missions.
India created history on August 23, 2023, through the Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing, becoming the first nation to land near the Moon's south pole, a region believed to contain water ice and considered crucial for future exploration.
Meanwhile, DRDO successfully conducted three consecutive flight tests on June 10 and 11, showcasing a multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system capable of intercepting advanced missile threats.
According to the Ministry of Defence, interceptor missiles accurately engaged and neutralised their designated targets, demonstrating India's growing capability to counter emerging missile threats.
The ministry said the successful trials have placed India among a select group of nations possessing sophisticated BMD systems capable of engaging even intercontinental ballistic missile-class threats.
In another milestone, DRDO successfully carried out the maiden flight test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR), which is expected to significantly enhance India's maritime strike capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and associated teams for the successful demonstrations. DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also praised the efforts of scientists, engineers and industry partners involved in the programmes.
The twin developments underscore India's push towards technological self-reliance, strengthening both its ambitions in deep-space exploration and its strategic defence capabilities through indigenous innovation.
