New Delhi: India’s space program is only constrained by the aspirations of its people, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson remarked in an engaging conversation with NDTV on Friday. The discussion began with the return of American astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore after a nine-month mission in space.

During the interview, Tyson highlighted India’s remarkable 2023 lunar landing near the Moon’s South Pole, a feat that made the nation only the fourth to achieve a successful lunar touchdown. What stood out, he noted, was the cost efficiency of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which accomplished this milestone for just $75 million— a fraction of what similar NASA missions require.

"India managed a successful landing at the Moon’s South Pole for a fraction of what the U.S. spent… more power to you," Tyson said, commending ISRO’s ability to streamline research, development, and rocket-building processes.

On the financial front, he pointed out that, as a percentage of total government funding, India’s budget for ISRO is nearly equivalent to what NASA receives in the United States.

The discussion on India’s space ambitions stemmed from a question about Elon Musk’s SpaceX and its role in bringing back Williams and Wilmore. Tyson emphasized the natural progression of private sector involvement in space exploration, acknowledging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally spoken to him about India's plans to integrate private enterprises into the sector.

"What SpaceX has achieved is an extension of what NASA has already done," he explained. "NASA built the space station with the space shuttle, transported cargo, and sent astronauts. Now, SpaceX—and potentially other competing companies—can do the same."

He underscored the efficiency of private companies, noting that once the path is established by government-led initiatives, private enterprises have the flexibility to refine and optimize processes. "That’s how it should be," he said. "Private firms can step in and do it for less or more efficiently."

Tyson also referenced his discussion with Modi, noting the Prime Minister’s keen interest in fostering private sector participation in India’s space industry. "He sees this as a natural evolution," Tyson remarked.

Regarding India’s future in space exploration, he remained open-ended, stating, "What truly matters is ambition. Depending on available resources, progress can be made either swiftly or gradually."

He cited China as an example of a nation that turned obstacles into opportunities. After being excluded from the International Space Station (ISS) due to U.S. concerns over technology transfer, China independently pursued its space ambitions.

"They wanted to send their first astronauts—so they did. They wanted to put a rover on the Moon—so they did. They wanted their own space station—and they’re building it," Tyson said, illustrating how determination, coupled with economic strength, can propel space programs forward.