By Pawan Kumar Chandana
As India gears up to commemorate its 75th Republic Day, the distinguished presence of French President Emmanuel Macron as the Special Guest adds a unique touch to the celebration. This visit not only reciprocates Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s honoured participation in France’s Bastille Day military parade in July 2023 but also reaffirms the robust and progressive relationship between the two nations. Among the various sectors solidifying this bond, the space domain stands out prominently, showcasing a collaboration that spans over six decades.
During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in July 2023, space emerged as a focal point for deeper collaboration between the two nations. As a witness to the warmth of this growing relationship, Skyroot, as a part of the delegation, reflected on the remarkable milestones achieved jointly by these two powerful republics. Discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron outlined ambitious plans, including joint efforts in building new rocket engines, advancements in human space flight, and the development of reusable vehicles.
The collaboration between India and France in space exploration has a rich history dating back to the early 1960s. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and France’s Centre National de Etudes Spatiales (CNES) have cultivated a longstanding partnership, resulting in tangible contributions to space technology and applications. Notable achievements include the joint development of satellites like MeghaTropiques and SARAL, both launched to monitor tropical atmospheres and contribute to environmental surveillance.
The synergy extends to commercial ventures, with India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) playing a crucial role in launching French satellites. Arianespace, based in France, has become a key provider of launch services for Indian Geo-Stationary satellites, exemplified by the launch of the “GSAT-24” communication satellite on the European rocket Ariane 5. This collaboration goes beyond launches, encompassing the exchange of components and equipment, showcasing France’s reliability as a supplier for the Indian Space Programme.
The transfer of technology for the Viking liquid rocket engines in the 1970s marked a significant milestone, powering all ISRO vehicles today. Collaborative efforts have continued into the 21st century, with projects like the launch of the “Megha-Tropiques” satellite in 2001 and the upcoming joint development of the Thermal InfraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment (TRISHNA) planned for 2025.
However, the space sector collaboration between these two nations is not confined to governmental levels alone. The burgeoning private space ecosystems in both India and France have led to groundbreaking partnerships. A notable achievement is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Skyroot and Promethee, a leading French satellite operator. Skyroot’s recent hosting of 30+ French companies in Hyderabad underscores the potential for new partnerships in the private space sector.
Looking ahead, as India aims to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2027, the collaboration between these two economic powerhouses is set to extend beyond space exploration. The 2023 agreement to extend the use of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment mechanism in France, the joint efforts on secure 5G/6G telecom systems, and the commitment to deepen cooperation in exascale technology reflect a multi-faceted partnership.
In the realm of education, France’s pledge to facilitate 30,000 Indian students to study in the country by 2030 opens doors for global education in the space sector. This aligns seamlessly with India’s initiatives like Digital India, Skill India, and Start-up India, fostering intellectual capital and creating a knowledge-based economy.
With consistent launch successes of India’s various space launches, embellished by the resounding success of Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L1, India has emerged as a reliable and economic alternative for launching satellites for global countries, a capability that France can definitely explore.
As the space technology landscape transforms lives in India, particularly in the realms of education, healthcare, and connectivity, the collaboration between India and France becomes a beacon of innovation and progress. With the private space sector on the rise, the potential for shared growth between these two rocket republics is boundless, promising exciting developments in the years to come.
The author Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot.
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