India’s space ambitions reached new heights today as Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Atomic Energy, and Space, announced a forthcoming satellite launch collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Addressing the inaugural session of the Indian Space Association’s (ISpA) third India Space Conclave, Singh shared that ISRO will launch the ESA satellite next month. “With this mission, India and the European Union will reach out to the Sun,” Singh stated.
In recognition of the private sector’s role in India’s space advancements, Singh also presented the ISpA Space Awards, honouring achievements in innovation and excellence. “In the last few years, India has undergone a remarkable transformation in its space sector,” Singh said, highlighting the nation’s evolution from being a follower to becoming a pioneer in space technology. “Once perceived as a follower, we have now established ourselves as a front-line nation in scientific and technological achievements,” he added, emphasizing the impact of domestic innovation on global standards.
Meanwhile, Dr S Somanath, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO spoke at length about India’s Space Vision 2047, an ambitious framework for developing a robust space economy and expanding human space exploration. “India’s Space Vision 2047 marks a historic, long-term commitment to transforming our space program and expanding our space economy,” Somanath said, underscoring the government’s shift from announcements to actionable projects.
Somanath revealed that nearly 450 Indian companies now contribute to ISRO’s capabilities in launching and satellite production. However, to fully realize Vision 2047, ISRO seeks to inspire new players, young talent, and foster a vibrant startup ecosystem. He highlighted that policy measures, like data accessibility, are designed to support space-based applications across sectors such as agriculture and finance, thereby building a diversified space ecosystem.
Among the program’s ambitious goals is a planned Moon mission, with India aiming to land an astronaut on the lunar surface by 2040. This target not only advances India’s human spaceflight aspirations but also promotes growth in high-tech industries, from electronics to bio-pharmaceuticals. “With strategic partnerships and a united vision, we are poised to make India a leader in space innovation,” he concluded.
The event also witnessed remarks from Ambassador Hervé Delphin, the European Union’s envoy to India and Bhutan, who emphasized the natural alignment between India and the EU’s space objectives. According to Delphin, the two entities share goals in strategic autonomy, covering areas such as navigation, Earth observation, and communication technologies.
“We see immense potential for joint projects in climate monitoring, cybersecurity, and exploration,” Delphin remarked, envisioning a collaborative approach to space governance. The EU-India partnership, he noted, also prioritizes space diplomacy, with both parties actively engaged in the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to promote responsible practices and prevent destabilizing actions, including anti-satellite tests.
As preparations for the 2025 EU-India Summit in Delhi gain momentum, Delphin stressed that this partnership offers a “unique opportunity” to forge a sustainable, collaborative future in space. Through high-level dialogue and joint initiatives, he envisions a legacy of cooperative space efforts that will benefit future generations.
The India Space Conclave serves as a crucial platform to forge global connections, advance satellite communication capabilities, and tackle challenges in financing and manufacturing. Discussions over the next two days will cover space tourism, lunar exploration, and the integration of high-tech industries to enhance India’s space infrastructure.
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