India successfully conducting a space-docking test is a giant leap towards becoming a key global space power. The spectacular achievement takes the country closer to realisation of its space dreams of an independent space station of India—the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 and an Indian-crewed lunar landing by 2040, as space-docking is a prerequisite for both. By becoming the fourth country in the world to achieve the technological feat, it also demonstrates significant advancement of the capabilities of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and brilliant space scientists of the country. The Union Cabinet’s approval of the proposed establishment of the Third Launch Pad of ISRO at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre of ISRO at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, has brightened hopes for next-generation launch vehicles of ISRO and India’s human spaceflight mission. ISRO requires new-generation, heavier launch space vehicles with stronger and advanced propulsion systems. It is not possible from the existing two launch pads, and the establishment of the third launch pad will fill the gap. The third launch pad is set to become a reality over the next four years, provided there is unhindered fund flow for meeting the estimated expenditure to the tune of nearly Rs. 4000 crores. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission involves two small satellites, and the two satellites will operate as a single spacecraft after docking. Subsequently, after successful undocking, the two satellites will be used for capturing high-resolution images, natural resource monitoring, vegetation studies, and on-orbit radiation environment measurements and multiple other applications. Incorporation of indigenous technologies in the SpaDex mission is reflective of India developing its self-reliance in space exploration. The successful soft landing of the Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface, which stole the show for the global scientific community, also showcased the expertise of ISRO scientists in developing indigenous cutting-edge space technology and capabilities that few other nations possess. The Union Cabinet has already granted its approval to the Chandrayaan-4 mission to develop and demonstrate the capabilities to land on the Moon and return. Successful achievement of the Chandrayaan-4 will be critical to India achieving one of its space dreams of Indian astronauts landing on the lunar surface and safely returning to the earth. The SpaDex success has laid the ground for the Chandrayaan-4 launch, which is tentatively scheduled for 2027. India’s rapid advancement in space technology has revolutionised the country’s communication ecosystem, facilitating most people living in far-flung and remote areas, like borderland areas of the Northeast region, to communicate seamlessly with the rest of the world. Satellite-based remote sensing applications have unlocked tremendous growth potential in agriculture, facilitated better disaster management, land use studies, forest mapping, forest fire management, weather forecasting, urban planning, etc. Wide application of space technologies requires a dynamic human resource with specialised knowledge and skills. The North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC) has been playing a pivotal role in disaster management, agricultural growth, and urban planning in the region. Expanding areas of cooperation between NESAC and the States in the region has pushed the demand for more scientist specialising in different streams of space science and engineering. This has created opportunities to motivate youth of the region to nurture dreams to explore career opportunities in space science and technology. At the 12th meeting of the NESAC Society held in Agartala in December 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged the organisation to send 100 students with science backgrounds from all the states of the region on a visit to ISRO headquarters so that they can develop interest in space and related technology and urged the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region to contribute 60% of the cost for the project. He also urged the state governments of the region to start new courses related to space technology in engineering colleges. States in the region need to play a proactive role in seizing the opportunity of grooming at least 100 students annually to develop ambition and career goals in space science and associated technology. The region developing a strong pool of space scientists and technocrats will go a long way in advancing space application for sustainable development of each state. It will also open the door for students and young scientists of the region to play a crucial role in India’s space missions and increase the contribution of the region to the realisation of the country’s space dreams. Youths from the region have also established their footprint in the startup revolution in India. The Central Government is setting up a dedicated venture capital fund to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore for the next five years to boost employment in the space sector by supporting startups in fields like engineering, software development, data analysis, manufacturing, logistics, professional services, etc. This has also created new opportunities for entrepreneurs from the region to diversify their startup ideas and initiatives.