New Delhi: In an exclusive interview with ANI, renowned Swedish astronaut Christer Fuglesang expressed his admiration for the “amazing and outstanding” success of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission. Fuglesang eagerly anticipates the next Indian space endeavor, particularly the Gaganyaan flight featuring Indian astronauts on an indigenous rocket and capsule.
Reflecting on Chandrayaan-3’s historic achievement of successfully landing on the moon’s South Pole on August 23, Fuglesang praised the precision of the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover during their 14-day lunar exploration. He emphasized the global applause for India’s accomplishment.
Fuglesang highlighted the potential for collaboration between Sweden and India in the space sector, emphasizing the Swedish Space Corporation’s expertise in developing services for sustainable space use. Discussing the significance of ‘Space Sustainability,’ he underscored the vital role of space exploration in addressing climate challenges.
Regarding India-Sweden space collaboration, Fuglesang emphasized the opportunities for mutual learning and technological exchange. He welcomed the establishment of the Indian-Swedish Space Centre of Excellence, set to enhance collaborative efforts.
The longstanding partnership between India and Sweden in space technology, initiated by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 1986, was acknowledged by Fuglesang. He participated in the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Sweden during a gala reception hosted by Sweden’s Ambassador to India, Jan Thesleff.
As an astronaut and professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Fuglesang, with a background in experimental particle physics, is set to meet with ISRO and its IN-SPACE team during his visit to India to discuss ongoing and future space programs.