SIA-India has marked its second year of operations, celebrating the accomplishments made in India's space industry, that has been the mainstay for SIA-India's progress. The association has played an important role as "Thought Leaders" for the satellite sector in India, and has contributed immensly to the policy and regulatory environment, advocating for a more liberal and business-friendly approach.

Through its numerous events, workshops, and seminars, SIA-India has facilitated collaboration and innovation within the sector. It has brought together industry players, government agencies, and academic institutions to promote research and development in space technology.

To mark its second anniversary, the association organized a webinar graced by industry luminiaries which included Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President SIA-India & CMD Ananth Technologies Ltd, Lt Gen PJS Pannu, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Chairman, Aerospace and Defence Committee, SIA-India, Dr Shailesh Nayak, Director, NIAS & Former Secretary MoES, Mr Anil Prakash, DG, SIA-India. The webinar was attended by several other dignitaries.

The webinar was also a curtain raiser for the upcoming conference DefSAT'23.

During the event, the SIA-India Annual Report 2021-22 and Brochure of DefSAT-23 were released by the dignitaries.




Speaking on the occasion, Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President SIA-India & CMD Ananth Technologies said, "Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President of SIA-India & CMD Ananth Technologies, said, "As we celebrate SIA-India's 2nd anniversary, we take pride in our accomplishments towards creating a vibrant and robust space industry in India. Our efforts to foster collaboration, innovation, and advocacy have resulted in significant achievements, including grant of Market Research Partner status by 3GPP and successful 1st edition of India Space Congress. Going forward, we remain committed to promoting a conducive environment for start-ups, advocating for a supportive space policy, and ensuring last-mile connectivity."




Dr Shailesh Nayak, Director NIAS and former Secretary MoES also congratulated the association and said, "Space technology is advancing at a rapid pace, making it crucial for India to stay ahead of the curve. SIA-India has set a high standard in promoting and developing the space industry in India, but we must continue to excel by considering future defence requirements, investing in R&D. SIA-INDIA to create a platform for interaction between industry and academia. Standardization is critical for India's space industry. Let's work together to pave the way for a prosperous space industry in India, and I urge SIA-India to take charge in this endeavour."




Lt Gen PJS Pannu (Retd.), Former Dy Chief Indian Integrated Defence Staff - Operations, extended his congratulations and said, "SIA-India has been instrumental in promoting space capabilities for defence and creating opportunities for the space industry. Their efforts in guiding young entrepreneurs and fostering an ecosystem for indigenous technology development have been commendable. Through collaborations and partnerships, SIA-India has brought the world together to contribute to India's growth in space technology. The recent ISC 22 was a testament to their success, with numerous space enthusiasts under one roof. Excited to be a part of the upcoming evaluation of space requirements for all three forces, which will pave the way for short, mid, and long-term goals at the upcoming Defsat. Jai Hind."

Mr Anil Prakash, Executive Director, SIA-India, thanked ISRO, DoS, MoD, and other government agencies for their support. He appreciated the team's work and partners and advisors for their contributions. He highlighted the Rs 3,000 crore agreement between the Defence Ministry and NSIL for the development of a communication satellite for the Indian Army, which marks a new era in India's space capabilities. The satellite, developed by ISRO, will be discussed at the upcoming DefSAT'23 conference, which aims to address the intersection of strategy and industrialization for Defence and Space.

The webinar also served as a Curtain Raiser for the upcoming DefSAT'23 conference, being held in New Delhi from 27th to 29th April. The conference is a first-of-its-kind platform for creating a conducive handshaking platform for the commercial space sector and the Defence sector. DefSAT'23 focuses on the intersection of strategy and industrialization for Defence and Space and is expected to have high-level engagement from the three services, DSA/IDS, Ministry of Defence, ISRO, DRDO, Ministry of Home Affairs, DST, NDMA, Paramilitary & CAPF, among others.

The association has accomplished several key achievements that demonstrate its commitment to the advancement of the telecommunications industry in India. These achievements include growing its membership to 30 and expanding its network through partnerships and global associates. The organization has signed 25 Memoranda of Understanding with partners and released four research reports that have contributed to the industry's progress. Perhaps the most significant accomplishment to date is being granted Market Research Partner status by 3GPP in April 2022. This status enables SIA-India to collaborate with 3GPP to identify and address gaps and challenges in the industry and produce research papers and publications. The achievement of Market Research Partner status is a significant milestone for SIA-India and highlights the organization's dedication to the continued growth and development of the telecommunications industry in India.

Continuing with its commitment to connect the unconnected, SIA-India has pledged to "Foster implementation of ITU guidelines and recommendations on NETPs and Last Mile Connectivity Guidelines" under Partner to Connect (P2C), aiming to connect 100,000 people worldwide by 2025 and empowering communities. SIA-India is participating in and contributing to the National Preparatory Committee (NPC) and National Working Groups (NWGs) for World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC-23), World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC), and World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) for ITU.

SIA-India is working closely with the ITU to help space sector startups, MSMEs, and companies enhance their engagement in the development of global standards on multiple developmental tracks. The association is also actively involved in capacity-building activities, providing knowledge and awareness to academia on various aspects of space science and technology, with a special focus on stimulating interest among girl students in Tier I, II & III cities. It aims to promote/facilitate collaboration with national and international institutions for joint studies/research/training for graduate students.

One of SIA-India's significant achievements in the policy and regulatory realm has been its advocacy for light-touch regulations and creating a conducive space sector ecosystem. It has been actively working to submit its suggestions to the Department of Space (DoS) to shape the Space Policy and Space Activities Bill currently underway, which seeks to establish a regulatory framework for private sector participation in India's space industry. SIA-India is also advocating for uniformity in permissions given by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), DoS, and Department of Telecommunications (DoT) while highlighting the various cumbersome processes involved for space and satellite operators in the country. It suggests that the various government agencies should be on the same page while issuing permissions for satellites and transponders through better interdepartmental coordination.

SIA-India is advocating for the inclusion of the space sector in defence offset obligations and Production-Linked Incentive schemes. It is highlighting the potential benefits of collaboration between the space and defence sectors and its contribution towards Aatmnirbharta in defence space procurement.

Another achievement of SIA-India was the creation of a legal cell supported by nine leading law firms specializing in satellite-centric issues. This initiative was designed to aid and help young startups have easy access to expert legal opinion and navigate their way across international treaties, matters of taxation, M&A, among other issues.

SIA-India successfully organized the 1st edition of India Space Congress (ISC22) in October 2022. The event garnered a significant response, attracting over 600 delegates, including 180 speakers from 30 countries, and featuring 35 thematic sessions. Building on the success of the inaugural event, we are excited to announce that the 2nd edition of the India Space Congress, with the theme "Empowering Industry Growth with Satellite Solutions," will take place from 12-14 July 2023. The conference and exposition will serve as a platform to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and academics to discuss ways to enhance growth and progress in India's rapidly growing space sector.

In addition, the upcoming 1st Defence Space India conference- DefSat-2023 will be held from 27th - 29th of April 2023 in New Delhi. This conference will bring together experts and stakeholders from the defence and space sectors to discuss the opportunities and challenges of leveraging space technology for defence purposes. We look forward to welcoming all attendees and having productive discussions during both events.

SIA-India's primary focus areas for the current fiscal year include securing spectrum certainty in key satellite bands through administrative means, contributing to the contours of the draft Telecom Bill, fostering a supportive environment for start-ups and MSMEs to facilitate easy market access, promoting innovation, skills development, and CoE, encouraging cross-collaboration between the space and defence sectors, ensuring last-mile connectivity for rural areas and USOF, advocating for a space policy that facilitates a single-window mechanism, developing a space activities bill, and establishing a one-stop-shop portal for the space ecosystem called the SIA-India Portal.

SIA-India's achievements and initiatives are crucial for the growth and development of the space sector in India. The association's efforts will contribute to India's ambitious goals of self-reliance and sustainable space activities.

Going forward, SIA-India is poised to play an even more prominent role in the Indian space industry. SIA-India's efforts to foster collaboration and innovation among industry stakeholders are more critical than ever. The association is committed to continuing its work towards creating a robust and vibrant space industry in India that can compete on a global stage.

As SIA-India completes its second year in operation, the association can look back with pride at its achievements so far. The Indian space industry has come a long way in a short time, and SIA-India has played a key role in this transformation. The future looks bright for the Indian space industry, and SIA-India will undoubtedly continue to be at the forefront of driving its growth and development.

DefSat 2023 is a highly anticipated event for those interested in the intersection of space and defence. With the geopolitical landscape rapidly evolving, space capabilities and technologies are becoming increasingly important for both commercial and military purposes. This event will bring together experts from a variety of industries to discuss the latest developments in space research and technology.

Originally scheduled for April 27-28, the conference has been extended to include an additional day, running from April 27-29. The conference will take place in New Delhi and will feature a variety of interactive sessions and power sessions.

Topics covered will include the role of international collaboration in defence space, the integration of drones and satellites, and the importance of space ISR in intelligence preparation of the battlefield.

One of the highlights of the event will be a dialogue on defence space realm (DSA) with representatives from all three services. This session will explore the ways in which space capabilities can be used to enhance defence capabilities and protect national interests.

Other interactive sessions will focus on secure Satcom and the integration of IoBT/IoMT systems, as well as closing capability gaps to retain the high ground. In addition to these interactive sessions, there will be power sessions featuring representatives from foreign embassies and industry leaders. These sessions will explore opportunities for collaboration and the foundational elements of defence space capabilities, from ground segment to flexible launch.

One important theme of the conference will be space security, and the importance of developing strong security frameworks to protect against threats to space capabilities. Experts will discuss technologies such as SSA, RPO, and OSAM, and how they can be used to detect and address potential threats.

The conference will also explore strategies for building resilience in the face of adversary action, unintended accidents, or planetary occurrences.

DefSat 2023 promises to be an exciting and informative event, bringing together experts from a variety of industries to discuss the latest developments in space and defence. If you're interested in learning more about this rapidly-evolving field, this is an event you won't want to miss.

The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Satcom Industry Association - India (SIA-INDIA), and Society for Innovation & Entrepreneurship - SINE IIT Bombay recently organized the 1st International Space Tech Startup Supporting Programme on 21 March 2023 at Bangalore. The initiative was supported by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Administration and Ministry of Economic Affairs.

SIA-India has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Industrial Technology Research Institute in Taiwan, with the aim of promoting rapid development in India's space sector. The MoU was signed in the presence of several dignitaries from various organizations. Ms. Chen Yu-Chi, Executive Director of the Economic Division of TECC, Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President SIA-India and CMD of Ananth Technologies Ltd, Dr. Lewis Chan, Director-General, ITRI, Dr. Chin-Tsan Wang, Counsellor and Director of the Science and Technology Division at TECC India, and Mr. Aju Antony, AVP, Invest India were among those who attended the event. Mr. N. Sudheer Kumar, Director-CBPO, ISRO-HQ, and Mr. Anil Prakash, Director-General of SIA-India, also graced the occasion. The partnership is expected to bring significant opportunities for the space industry in both countries and create a conducive environment for international collaboration.

The objective of the 1st International Space Tech Startup Supporting Programme is to provide a platform for India's space start-ups to showcase their capabilities and engage with space sector stakeholders in Taiwan. The program aims to identify potential synergies and explore opportunities for collaboration, with the ultimate goal of enabling the growth and development of India's space sector.

Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri (President, SIA-India & CMD Ananth Technologies Ltd) emphasized the importance of collaboration between Taiwan and India in building their space ecosystems. He mentioned that there are over 100 start-ups operating in India's space sector, which require sustained support. The start-up program aims to support this initiative by providing selected start-ups with funding, mentorship, and a chance to learn from international partners. Dr. Rao proposed a novel way of assessing start-ups based on technology, business strategy, and market development. He also highlighted the role of ITRI in driving innovation in Taiwan's industries.

"Innovative Start-ups Impress Jury in Space Programme Pitch Session"

The 2023 International Spacetech startup program witnessed an impressive line-up of start-ups, showcasing some incredible ideas from the most innovative minds in the space industry. The panel of esteemed jury members, included Dr. Sudheer Kumar N (Director, CBPO, ISRO headquarters), Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri (President SIA-India, Director & CMD Ananth Technologies), Dr. P.V Venkitakrishnan (Scientist & Retd. Director ISRO), Mr. DS Govindarajan (President Aniara space), and Dr. Tirtha Pratim Das (Director Space Program Office, ISRO)



Astrogate Labs, AugSenseLab, Digantara, VELLON SPACE, Delta V. Robotics, Xovian Aerospace, OrbitAID Aerospace, Space Philic Pvt. Ltd., KaleidEO, SatSure, EtherealX, GalaxEye Space, Taramandal, and Transcend Satellite Technology were selected to showcase their capabilities. Each of these start-ups presented something unique to the table with their innovative ideas and solutions.



Mr. Aju Antony - AVP Investment India encouraged start-ups in the Space Tech Startup Supporting Programme to strive for excellence and collaborate for innovation and growth in the space industry

Dr. Lewis Chan - Director General of ITRI highlighted ITRI's investment in start-ups for commercialization and the potential for collaboration between India and Taiwan

Mr. Shaji Varghese - Deputy CEO of the Society for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at IIT Bombay praised India's ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship and bridging the gap between start-ups and stakeholders.

Anil Prakash - Director-General of SIA-India, discussed India's progress and future goals for the space sector.

Dr. Chin-Tsan Wang - Counsellor and Director of the Science and Technology Division at the Taipei Economic & Cultural Center in India (TECC), shared insights on Taiwan's space industry and potential for collaboration with India.

Overall, the collaboration between Taiwan and India is aimed at creating a conducive atmosphere for international collaboration and promoting economic growth in both countries. By leveraging their respective strengths, both countries can achieve success in their space ecosystems and create new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Congratulations to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and all the teams involved in the successful launch of 36 OneWeb Gen-1 satellites into their intended 450km circular orbits! This marks the 6th consecutive successful flight for LVM3, and is a remarkable achievement for India's space industry.

The Satcom Industry Association - India congratulates ISRO, OneWeb, IN-SPACe, and NSIL for their contribution to this mission's success. We applaud the dedication and hard work of the teams involved in making this launch a success.

The successful deployment of the OneWeb satellites will play a crucial role in expanding India's communication and connectivity capabilities. We look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of India's space industry.

For more information about the LVM3-M3 / OneWeb India-2 mission, please visit : https://www.isro.gov.in/LVM3M3MissionLandingPage.html

The participation of private players in the Indian space sector is subject to their receiving authorisations from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe). However, the current regulatory framework does not prescribe a timeline for the grant, or refusal, of such authorisations.

Prescribing a finite timeline for processing applications for authorisations would assist private platers with attracting investments – as financial investors would likely only invest once authorisations have been obtained. New investment is essential to the growth of India's space economy, and the increased involvement of private players in the research, development and execution of space projects.

In addition, prescribing timelines for the processing of applications for authorisation would distinguish India as one of the few countries that provides regulatory clarity on the aspect of timelines for authorisation.

If India is to become a hub for space activity, the Department of Space should consider amending the extant regulatory framework to prescribe a timeline for the grant, or refusal, of authorisation of space activities for private players.

Lt Gen Sunil Srivastava, AVSM, VSM** (Retd), Director of the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), presented the latest edition of SYNERGY, CENJOWS' flagship journal, to Anil Prakash, DG Satcom Industry Association - India, and Lt Gen PJS Pannu, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), former DCIDS (Ops) and Chair of Aerospace and Defence at SIA-India.

SYNERGY is a premier journal that features articles, analysis, and opinions on a wide range of strategic and defence-related issues. The latest edition focuses on the theme of "India's Security Challenges and Responses," featuring articles by leading experts and policymakers.

We thank Lt Gen Sunil Srivastava and the team at CENJOWS for presenting the latest edition of SYNERGY to the SIA-India leadership. We believe that this collaboration will help promote greater understanding and dialogue on critical issues related to India's security and defence.

To learn more about SYNERGY and CENJOWS, please visit their website at https://cenjows.in/

ISRO is inviting expressions of interest from Indian industries for the development of technologies, products, and systems to enhance the "Atmanirbharta" of India's space program. The organization is seeking collaboration with industries to accelerate the pace of development in areas such as launch vehicles, satellites, application sectors, human spaceflight, and space exploration. Interested parties are required to submit detailed proposals with a realization plan within a time-bound framework.

This presents a significant opportunity for Indian industry to contribute to the country's space exploration efforts. ISRO has a long-standing history of working with Indian industry to develop cutting-edge technologies, and this new initiative will undoubtedly enhance innovation in the country's space sector.

SIA-India encourages Indian industries to take full advantage of this opportunity and submit their proposals to ISRO.

For more information, please visit:
https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/Tenders/2023/EOI_DTDI23323.pdf



ISRO - Indian Space Research Organization has announced a recruitment drive for various positions such as Junior Research Fellow, Research Scientist, Project Associate-I, and Project Scientist-I. The total number of vacancies for this drive is 34. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in working with ISRO, one of India's most prestigious space research organizations. This is a great opportunity for candidates to work with ISRO and contribute to India's space research and exploration efforts.

https://www.nrsc.gov.in/Career_Apply

In the latest INTERSTELLAR conversation, two esteemed experts in the field of space research and exploration were interviewed. Dr. Subbarao Pavaluri, Chairman and Managing Director of Ananth Technologies Limited and President of the Satcom Industry Association-India [SIA-India], and Dr. P.G. Diwakar, former Scientific Secretary and Outstanding Scientist at ISRO and ISRO Chair Professor at the National Institute for Advanced Studies [NIAS] in Bengaluru, shared their insights on the evolving role of the Indian space industry and their vision for the Indian space program.

According to Dr. Pavaluri and Dr. Diwakar, the Indian space industry is rapidly moving from a vendor to an innovator, and they expressed their optimism about its future. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry and government to achieve India's space research goals.

Dr. Rao highlights that India's recent liberalization of the space sector will lead to many new applications and launches, ultimately requiring a significant number of talented individuals. With 80% of the space budget going back to industry, private sector participation will be crucial to the industry's growth and development. To fully realize this potential, India must invest in nurturing and developing talent, including education and training programs and support for incubation and entrepreneurship. Dr. Rao believes that with these efforts, India can emerge as a global leader in the space sector.

To Listen to the entire discussion pls visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv560GUspxw

Interstellar is a news platform that provides coverage and analysis of the Indian space ecosystem. It is a subsidiary of BharatShakti and StratNewsGlobal, two media companies focused on Space and Defence sectors. Interstellar covers a wide range of topics related to India's space program, including the latest developments in satellite technology, launch vehicles, and space exploration. The platform features articles, videos, and podcasts with experts in the field of space research and exploration. Its aim is to be the voice of the Indian space ecosystem and to provide insight into India's contributions to space science and technology.

SIA-India remains committed to promoting the growth and development of the space industry in India, and to working towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for all. In keeping with this mandate, SIA-India recently had a productive meeting with Ms. Cassandra Marcelin, Vice-Consul and Trade Commissioner at the Consulate General of Canada in Bangalore. The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration between Canadian and Indian businesses, with a particular emphasis on the space technology sector. There is tremendous potential for collaboration between Canada and India in the space technology sector, and the Indian industry looks forward to exploring opportunities for partnership and cooperation in the future.