PM Modi Praises Gen-Z Drone That Can Fly Without GPS, Highlights Innovation and Resilience

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently lauded an innovative drone created by a team of Gen-Z students, capable of flying in Mars-like conditions without GPS. He mentioned this achievement during the 128th episode of his monthly radio program, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, emphasizing the ingenuity and perseverance of India’s young innovators.

The ISRO Challenge
The drone was part of ISRO’s IROC-U 2025 Robotics Challenge, titled ‘Fly Me on Mars’, where students were tasked to operate drones in simulated Martian conditions without any external guidance. As GPS does not function on Mars, the challenge tested the students’ ability to navigate autonomously.

Prime Minister Modi noted that many drones initially struggled and fell during testing, but the students persisted, demonstrating determination and problem-solving skills.

The Pune Team’s Breakthrough
The winning drone was developed by the Pune Institute of Computer Technology team, ‘Galactic Gearheads’. Their drone used LiDAR technology to map the ground and autonomously select safe flight paths. Despite occasional instability and near-falls, the drone eventually achieved stable flight in the simulated environment. PM Modi praised the team’s tenacity, comparing it to the resilience shown after the Chandrayaan-2 Vikram lander setback in 2019, which ultimately led to the success of Chandrayaan-3.

A Message on Youth Innovation
PM Modi highlighted that such feats reflect the spirit and determination of India’s young generation. He said, “Our youth’s courage and perseverance are the greatest strengths of a developed India.”

Private Sector Space Initiatives
The Prime Minister also mentioned the launch of Skyroot Aerospace’s ‘Infinity Campus’ in Hyderabad on 27 November 2025. The company’s first rocket, ‘Vikram-1’, capable of placing satellites into space, was inaugurated via video. Modi emphasized that private enterprises are rapidly advancing India’s space capabilities alongside government initiatives.