New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said that India is fast emerging as World Space Hub for the cost-effective launch of satellites. Singh lauded India's development in space technology while speaking at the India Leads-2021 Summit organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The topic of the summit was “Future of India-Oceania Space Technology Partnerships.”
Dr Singh said, "Over the past few years, Space Industry is emerging as one of the most lucrative industries globally and demand for nano, micro and mini satellites and re-usable and small satellite launch vehicle systems are anticipated to drive the market." He informed that ISRO has forged a strong relationship with many industrial enterprises, both in the public and private sector, to implement its space projects.
"While India is becoming a major player in the world comity of nations, it is a matter of pride that India’s ascent to the top will be contributed to a large extent by its superiority in the space capabilities. World today is enamoured of Chandrayaan, Mars mission and upcoming Gaganyan," said Dr Singh.
Dr Singh said, ever since Narendra Modi took over as Prime Minister, India’s Space Technology is being applied in diverse fields and sectors to bring “ease of living” for common man. He also added that India is all set to become the hub for the small satellite launch market, which is estimated to be valued at around $38 billion by 2027. Australia and New Zealand, on the other hand, have emerging capabilities in the design and manufacture of nano- and micro-satellites including high-performance optics, radio communications systems, optical communications systems and on-board data handling manoeuvring.
Further, he said, other Oceania countries such as New Zealand and Pacific island countries can collaborate with India and can jointly develop and identify space technological solutions and innovative products to explore partnerships and joint ventures. He also pointed out that the Australian Space Agency is working closely with the ISRO on India’s first manned mission into space, Gaganyaan, sprucing up its temporary ground station tracking facilities in Australia for the mission.
Dr Sangita Reddy, Immediate Past President, FICCI and Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals, Anthony Murfett, Deputy Head, Australian Space Agency, Australia, Jason Held, CEO, Saber Astronautics, Australia, Dr D Radhakrishnan, CMD, New Space India Limited (NSIL), Professor Andy Koronios, CEO & Managing Director, SmartSat CRC, Australia and Vikram Chandra, Founder Editorji Technologies were also present at the meeting.
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