France will be the special guest at the Indian Space Conclave, taking place from October 9-12, 2023 and renowned French astronaut, Thomas Pesquet from the European Space Agency, will join 26 top aerospace companies from the European country on this trip. The main goal is to strengthen the scientific and business connections between the space industries of the two countries.
Indian Space Conclave in Delhi on October 9th, organized by the Indian Space Association (ISpA) highlights France as the Country of Honour. French astronaut Thomas Pesquet will share his knowledge and experience gained from his space missions during a special talk at the Conclave’s main session. Moreover, an agreement on industrial space collaboration will be signed between ISpA and GIFAS, the French Aerospace Industries Association.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Pesquet to India during his visit to France in July, emphasizing the importance of inspiring young minds in the fields of science and space. Although this is his first official visit to India, Pesquet previously showcased India’s cities and landscapes through stunning space photographs taken during his tenure at the International Space Station.
One of Pesquet’s missions is to ignite interest in science and space exploration among Indian youth. He will engage with students at the Indian Space Conclave, the French School/Lycée français de Delhi, and visit the Space Technology Cell at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi to meet researchers and students.
During his stay in Bengaluru on October 11 -12, Pesquet will continue this mission by interacting with students at Vidyashilp Academy and meeting Indian Institute of Science students enrolled in an exchange program with France’s ISAE-SUPAERO, a top global aerospace engineering school.
Further enhancing collaboration with India’s space agency, he will share his expertise at a daylong technical seminar at ISRO Headquarters, along with S. Somanath, Chairperson of ISRO, and Imtiaz Ali Khan, Director of Human Space Programme at ISRO.
On October 10th, the French space sector delegation will visit Hyderabad, where they will hold sectoral discussions with KT Rama Rao, Cabinet Minister for IT, E&C, and Industries & Commerce Departments, Government of Telangana. They will also meet with leaders and explore the facilities of private sector aerospace companies, Skyroot Aerospace and Dhruva Space. Later, the delegation will tour the National Remote Sensing Centre and engage in discussions with ISRO officials.
On October 11th, in Bengaluru, the French companies will meet with notable private sector equipment manufacturers and service providers such as Ananth Technologies, Centum Electronics Limited, and Axon Interconnectors and Wires, a French manufacturer with a Make in India focus. Additionally, the delegation will meet officials and receive a guided tour of the ISRO Human Space Flight Centre and NewSpace India Limited.
The visit will conclude with business-to-business meetings, aiming to foster increased collaboration with India’s rapidly growing private space sector.