The Indian Space Association (ISpA) is taking significant strides to democratize India’s space sector by fostering opportunities for private players, rural children, and women-led startups. Through strategic partnerships with key agencies like Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NSIL, and IN-SPACe, ISpA is dedicated to nurturing an inclusive space ecosystem that encourages private sector participation and industrial growth. Their initiatives, such as the recent MoU with AICTE, aim to enhance technical capabilities across the country, particularly in rural areas and institutions that support women in STEM. By organizing networking events and showcasing success stories, ISpA is inspiring the next generation of space professionals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, ISpA is expanding India’s global footprint by engaging with space agencies beyond the major spacefaring nations, fostering collaborations with emerging space powers and neighbouring countries.
In an exclusive interaction with FinancialExpress.com, on India’s maiden National Space Day, Lt Gen AK Bhatt (retd.), Director General, Indian Space Association (ISpA) talks about the various initiatives and more.
Following are excerpts:
ISpA’s initiatives for private players, rural children, and women-led startups:
Private players i.e. private space companies and startups are the focus of ISpAs effort to help the private space ecosystem to grow and prosper. We facilitate partnerships with ISRO, NSIL & IN-SPACe and advocate for policies encouraging private sector participation. We’re addressing requests to build industrial capabilities, offering fair opportunities based on expertise. ISpA has been working with various ministries to generate demand. The iDEX Defence Space challenges which were announced by the honourable PM at Ahmedabad were created with active help of ISpA.
ISpA is committed to fostering an inclusive space ecosystem in India. Our recent MoU with AICTE aims to enhance technical capabilities across the sector. We’re building an ecosystem where opportunities are open to all, without discrimination, based on skill sets and capabilities.
Our focus extends to nurturing talent in rural areas and supporting women-led startups. The AICTE-ISpA collaboration will target specific institutions to help develop programs for rural ecosystems and women-specific institutions. We’re organizing networking events, providing guidance, and highlighting success stories of women in the space sector. We have startups like Astrome and Space Kidz led by women. In the future we expect this number to rise as more female students take on STEM education.
These initiatives aim to inspire the next generation of space professionals from diverse backgrounds, increase diversity in the industry, and tap into the immense potential of innovators across India, driving the nation’s space economy forward.
Engagement with global players beyond major countries:
ISpA is actively engaging with space agencies and industries beyond the major space faring nations to foster global collaboration in space exploration and technology. We’re facilitating partnerships with emerging space powers like Australia, UAE, Brazil, South Africa, Luxembourg, Israel and South Korea to exchange knowledge and explore joint opportunities. We also support government efforts to engage the Global South and countries of immediate neighbourhood such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Our initiatives include organizing international conferences, facilitating B2B meetings between Indian and foreign space companies, and promoting Indian space capabilities at global forums.
The aim is to position India as a key player in the global space ecosystem, not just limited to interactions with traditional space powers. This approach allows us to tap into diverse expertise, explore new markets for Indian space products and services, and contribute to solving global challenges through space technology.
Importance of National Space Day and reasons for celebration:
National Space Day is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a platform to celebrate India’s remarkable achievements in space exploration, including missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan. It instils a sense of national pride and inspires the younger generation to pursue careers in science and technology.
Secondly, it raises public awareness about the importance of space technology in our daily lives, from Communication and Weather forecasting to disaster management and resource mapping. This understanding is vital for garnering public support for space programs.
Thirdly, it provides an opportunity to showcase India’s growing space capabilities to the world, potentially attracting international collaborations and investments.
Lastly, National Space Day aligns the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s desire to prepare the next-generation of space scientists and entrepreneurs and act as a catalyst via Bhartiya Antriksh Hackathon, Space-on-Wheels-showcasing ISRO’s Vision for Scientific Advancement, ISRO Space Tutors: Engaging and Educating, ISRO robotics challenges. It’s a day to reflect on our past successes, current challenges, and future aspirations in space exploration.