In an exhilarating declaration at the International Conference on Space 2023, Dr. Pawan K Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), heralded India’s ambitious journey towards a $44 billion space economy by 2033, following the triumphant landing of Chandrayaan-3.
Bengaluru, NFAPost: India’s space sector is on the cusp of unprecedented growth, driven by policy reforms, groundbreaking innovations, burgeoning private sector participation, and expansive international collaborations. Dr. Goenka, in his address, articulated the nation’s resolve to push the boundaries of space technology, aiming to address global challenges and deepen our comprehension of the cosmos.
Underpinning this trajectory of progress are a series of laudable achievements, showcasing India’s robust indigenous technologies and launch vehicles crafted by ISRO. A watershed moment in 2022 saw the successful deployment of 36 OneWeb satellites, marking the largest commercial launch by value. The private sector has garnered substantial investments, with an impressive $45 million infusion in the past six months, including a game-changing $36 million from Pixel in June. This infusion is a testament to the burgeoning confidence in India’s space industry, as design and manufacturing reach new pinnacles with the imminent establishment of a sprawling facility.
The recent lunar mission stands as a sterling exemplar of the meticulous planning and precision integral to space exploration, affirming India’s burgeoning expertise in this domain, as articulated by Dr. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman of ISRO.
The summit witnessed the unveiling of the inaugural volume of Indian standards for the Space Industry, a collaborative endeavour between INSPACe and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This comprehensive catalogue encompasses 15 standards, focusing on critical facets including space project management, system engineering, and modelling – pivotal processes for ensuring mission success.
A thought-provoking Thought Leadership report, ‘NewSpace: India Perspective,’ was also unveiled during the summit.
Furthermore, an MoU between INSPACe and NIIFL was formalized, signifying a momentous stride in regulating and streamlining space activities.
Deputy High Commissioner of the Australian Commission, Sarah Story, underscored the special partnership between India and Australia across various domains, notably in space exploration and technology development. “Both our commercial space sectors are vibrant and innovative. Australia takes pride in championing India’s space achievements, including the CHANDRIAN 3 mission,” she emphasized.
Mr. Jayant Patil, Chairman of CII National Committee on Space, spotlighted the pivotal role of startups in propelling space technology forward and exhorted international collaboration. “Startups have been instrumental in propelling space technology. This event is a significant step in sharing Indian expertise with the world for the betterment of all.”
In his inaugural address, Mr. Kamal Bali, Chairman of Southern Region, extolled India’s recent strides in the space sector, underscoring the monumental significance of ISRO’s accomplishments. “We are amidst a global technological transformation, and space will continue to be a linchpin influencing progress across various sectors, bolstering India’s global aspirations.”
IN-SPACe, a cornerstone in regulating space activities, bears testament to India’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for space exploration, as highlighted by Mr. Apparao Mallavarapu, Co-Chair of CII National Committee on Space.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Sudheer Kumar N, Director of CBPO-ISROHQ, urged all businesses to capitalize on the opportunities arising from these initiatives. The surge in space startups, from 101 to 195, portends a promising future for the space ecosystem.
The two-day International Conference on the space sector, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with the support of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), and NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), showcased 80 eminent speakers and scientists across ten compelling sessions, offering a dynamic platform for knowledge dissemination and experience exchange. The conference witnessed the participation of over 600 attendees, commemorating India’s recent strides in space technology, including the monumental Chandrayaan-3 landing, emblematic of the meticulous preparation and data-driven decision-making that culminated in the mission’s triumph.
