During the celebrations of the 2nd National Space Day, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) held a significant meeting called National Space Meet 2.0 in New Delhi. This event celebrated the successful landing of the Vikram rover on the Moon and focused on using space technology to help build a developed India by 2047.
Leaders from various sectors, including government, private companies, and academia, gathered to discuss India’s space future. The goal was to improve governance and boost socio-economic change using space technology. Shri P.K. Mishra, a key figure at the event, emphasized how the collective efforts from various ministries and agencies contribute to India’s space achievements. He noted that over 60 government departments now depend on satellite data and geospatial tools for services like agriculture, health, and disaster management.
Reflecting on the growth of the private space sector, which exploded from just two startups in 2014 to over 350 today, Mishra stressed the importance of integrating innovations like AI and quantum computing into space applications. He also pointed out the significance of global partnerships, such as the collaboration with NASA on the SAR mission and the upcoming G20 Satellites for Climate Initiative.
“Our journey in space is about empowering citizens and making a self-reliant nation,” said Mishra.
The meeting featured ten breakout sessions, each focusing on different themes such as agriculture, environment, infrastructure, and disaster management. These discussions aimed to gather insights that would help in immediate deployment and long-term planning of space applications.
Shri Pawan Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe, highlighted that the meeting was not just a conference but a chance to solve real problems. He encouraged the private sector to view space not just as a business but as part of a national mission. He explained how knowledge about space uses is spreading, leading to increased demand for space services and more developments from private companies.
ISRO chairman Shri V. Narayanan shared the journey of India’s space program, tracing its history from the first rocket launches in 1963 to having 55 operational satellites today. He laid out a vision for the next decade, which includes enhancing capabilities with new technologies and increasing private sector involvement. He believes that by 2040, India could be on par with leading countries in space technologies.
Dr. V.K. Saraswat from NITI Aayog emphasized how ministries have integrated space into various sectors like agriculture and disaster management since 2015. He pointed to recent policies that support this shift, including the Geospatial Policy 2022 and Indian Space Policy 2023. He also highlighted innovative startups driving the sector forward, urging for resilient indigenous technologies for national security.
The meeting established ambitious goals, such as tripling India’s operational satellites in just three years and deploying over 119 satellites by 2040 for various applications. The idea is to make India a top space power globally, focusing on governance and sustainability.
Ultimately, the National Space Meet 2.0 reflects ISRO’s commitment to using space technology for improving governance and providing better services to citizens. With strong governmental support and growing private sector involvement, India is paving the way to lead in making space accessible and beneficial for all.
Source link
ISRO, National Space Meet 2.0, Viksit Bharat 2047, Indian Space Policy, IN-SPACe, Pawan Goenka, PK Mishra, V. Narayanan, V.K. Saraswat, Indian space startups, space reforms India, geospatial policy