Space Exploration Milestones in 2025: Global Achievements, India’s Role & What’s Next
Space exploration is no longer just about rockets and astronauts. In 2025, countries around the world—including India—are making big strides in understanding space, landing on the Moon, and even preparing to grow food outside Earth. From the USA to China and ISRO, this year has already marked major moments in space science.
In this detailed guide from Chiangrai Times, we’ll take you through the most important space milestones of 2025, all in simple terms that make sense for everyone.
Major Space Missions and Milestones: Quick Glance
| Mission or Event | Country / Organization | Date |
| PSLV-C61 Earth Observation Satellite | ISRO (India) | May 18, 2025 |
| Sudhanshu Shukla’s ISS Mission | Axiom Space / India | May 29, 2025 |
| Tianwen-2 Asteroid Mission | China | May 2025 |
| SPHEREx Infrared Telescope | NASA (USA) | Feb 2025 |
| Blue Ghost Moon Landing | Firefly Aerospace (USA) | March 2025 |
| ESA Space Rider Launch (planned) | European Space Agency | Late 2025 |
India in Space: 2025 Highlights
PSLV-C61 Mission
ISRO successfully launched the PSLV-C61 rocket from Sriharikota on May 18, 2025. This mission carried the EOS-09 satellite, also known as RISAT-1B. This satellite will help India monitor agriculture, forest cover, and disaster zones—even during cloudy weather or at night.
Sudhanshu Shukla to Grow Food in Space
Group Captain Sudhanshu Shukla, an Indian astronaut, will soon fly to the International Space Station (ISS) on Axiom Mission-4. There, he will try growing green gram (moong dal) and methi (fenugreek) in zero gravity. This experiment could be a major step toward future space farming.
International Missions Making Headlines
China’s Tianwen-2 to Study an Asteroid
China is launching Tianwen-2 in May to collect samples from an asteroid called 469219 Kamoʻoalewa. It will also study a distant comet later in the mission. This is a bold step in understanding objects beyond Earth.
USA’s SPHEREx: Scanning the Universe
NASA launched the SPHEREx observatory in February 2025. It will create a 3D map of the sky using infrared light. This mission aims to uncover how galaxies formed and where water and ice exist in space.
Blue Ghost Moon Landing
In March 2025, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander touched down on the Moon. It carried 10 science experiments from NASA to study lunar soil, surface temperature, and more.
New Technology and Spacecraft in 2025
ESA’s Space Rider (Coming Soon)
Europe is planning to launch a small reusable spaceplane called Space Rider by the end of 2025. It will carry science experiments and come back safely—just like an advanced space delivery truck.
Collaborations & Future Projects
China & Russia’s Moon Base Plans
China and Russia are planning to build a shared lunar base by 2036. This base will be powered by nuclear energy and will support long-term research on the Moon’s south pole.
USA Upgrades for Mars Missions
The Johnson Space Center in Houston is being upgraded to prepare astronauts for future trips to Mars. New labs and training zones are being added for advanced space missions.
Final Thoughts: India’s Role in a Global Space Future
2025 proves that space is now everyone’s frontier—countries big and small are reaching new heights. India, with ISRO’s successful launches and Sudhanshu Shukla’s upcoming space experiment, is clearly part of the global space community.
From farming in space to landing on the Moon, this year is packed with milestones that show how far science has come—and where we’re headed next.
For more updates on global breakthroughs and Indian achievements in science and space, stay tuned to Chiangrai Times.
