Oct 11, 2021
By: Marcia Sekhose
Credit: Unsplash
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched the Indian Space Association (ISpA). Here’s everything you need to know about the ISpA.
Credit: Indian Space Association
The Indian Space Association is said to act as the collective voice of the Indian space industry. According to the official release, ISpA will “undertake policy advocacy and engage with all stakeholders in the Indian Space domain, including the Government and its agencies.”
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ISpA is formed by leading homegrown as well as global corporations with advanced capabilities in space and satellite technologies.
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ISpA’s founding members include Larson & Toubro, Nelco (Tata Group), OneWeb, Bharti Airtel, Mapmyindia, Walchandnagar Industries and Ananth Technology Limited. Other core members include Godrej, Hughes India, Azista-BST Aerospace Private Limited, BEL, Centum Electronics, Maxar India.
Credit: Indian Space Association
PM Modi announced the launch of ISpA through a press conference with the founding members.
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Modi highlighted three pillars for space reforms in India - first is to “give full freedom to innovate to the private sector”, second is for the government sector to work as an enabler, and third is “getting the youth ready for the future.”
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Modi also said ISRO’s IN-SPACe will help boost the private space sector for India. It will help provide better forecasts for farmers, fishermen, our ecology, and better forecasting of natural disasters.
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He also encouraged startups and private companies to find new avenues in the space sector. Startups Pixxel and Skyroot Aerospace were part of the press conference.
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Pixxel plans to launch an imaging satellite using ISRO's rocket later this year, while Skyroot Aerospace has signed an MoU with ISRO to help with facility sharing.
Credit: Indian Space Association