New Delhi, NFAPost: In a captivating display of India’s commitment to space exploration and the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, the India Space Congress 2023 kicked off with a strong emphasis on the potential of the space sector to empower socio-economic development. Renowned figures from the global space community gathered at the event to discuss and deliberate on the future of space exploration.
Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, CMD Ananth Technologies and President of SIA-India, delivered a warm welcome address, highlighting India’s achievements in space and the nation’s focus on sustainable space activities. Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Director of NIAS and Former Secretary of MoES, Government of India, further elaborated on the conference theme, underscoring the need for space exploration to empower socio-economic growth.
Nathan de Ruiter, Managing Director of Euroconsult, shed light on the potential of the Indian space economy and stressed the importance of upstream investments to enable downstream value creation. He identified seven key areas, namely broadband connectivity, earth observation, defence and security, satellite IoT/direct-to-cellphone, launch/access to space, space sustainability, and space exploration, as super opportunities for the growth of the global space sector. Mr. de Ruiter also noted that India’s advanced space capabilities have attracted international partners, funding, and collaborations.
Alex MacDonald, Chief Economist at NASA, expressed his enthusiasm for the flourishing space sector and its recent renaissance marked by new players, projects, and missions. He stressed the need for a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible space exploration, highlighting the vital role of conferences like the India Space Congress in shaping the future of space activities. MacDonald also discussed the outcomes of the recent G20 meeting in Bengaluru, emphasizing the increasing number of space actors and the significance of collaborations among them.
MacDonald praised the initiatives undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), including the Chandrayaan mission and the NISAR project, which he described as the most advanced radar system ever launched. He emphasized the equal partnership between NASA and ISRO in the NISAR project, highlighting the agencies’ joint efforts.
Shri S Somanath, Secretary of the Department of Space (DOS) and Chairman of ISRO provided valuable insights during his address. He announced the development of India’s own Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which will be transferred to the industry for large-scale production to meet the growing demand in the space sector. Somanath also highlighted the recent space reforms in India, including the launch of a space policy and the establishment of In-Space, an organization that serves as both a regulator and a promoter. He emphasized that the regulations set by In-Space aim to create new opportunities rather than restrict activities.
Shri Bandaru Dattatraya, Governor of Haryana, acknowledged ISRO’s remarkable achievements and its contributions to disaster management, national resource monitoring, and India’s socio-economic growth. He commended the collaboration between ISRO and nearly 150 private startups, noting the significant progress in the private space landscape and congratulating the investors and creators behind these startups.
The India Space Congress 2023 undoubtedly presented a platform for fruitful discussions, highlighting the potential for space exploration to empower socio-economic development. With a keen focus on sustainability and collaboration, the event set the stage for India’s continued growth in the global space sector. As we witness a renaissance in space activities, the lessons learned from this gathering will shape the future of space exploration and guide us in preserving the space environment for generations to come.
