The three-day event featured a line-up of notable speakers and dignitaries including, Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmit Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, Hon'ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, AVSM, YSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief South Western Command, Air Vice Marshal Rahul Bhasin, Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Space), Air HQ, Lt. Gen (Retd) Vinod G Khandare, PVSM, AVSM, SM, Principal Advisor to MOD, Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President, SIA-India, Lt Gen (Dr) PJS Pannu PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), PhD, Senior Advisor, SIA-India, AVM Pawan Kumar, Director General, Defence Space Agency, Mr Rajeev K Sharma, DG, BPR&D, Mr Praveer Ranjan, Special DG, CISF, Lt. Gen Karanbir Brar, AVSM, GOC – Dakshin, Lt General MU Nair, PVSM, AVSM, SM, (Retd) National Cyber Security Coordinator, National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC),  Mr Vinayak Godse, CEO, Data Security Council India, Mr. Gautam Sharma, Managing Director, Viasat India.

The conference witnessed the exchange of a MoU between Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and SIA-India, aimed at:

The report on “PRISM: 1.0: US-India Export Controls Dialogue” is the cumulative outcome of the Perspectives on Regulatory Issues in Strategic Markets (PRISM) 1.0 webinar, held in November 2024 jointly with IndUS Tech Council, which discussed significant policy reforms, including liberalizations in ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime), which are poised to strengthen U.S.-India collaboration in defense and space sectors

This report on “India-Africa Space Collaboration: Unlocking Strategic Opportunities for Growth” celebrates the enduring partnership between India and Africa, emphasizing their shared vision to leverage space technology for socio-economic development. Highlighting India's advancements in space technology and Africa's growing ambitions, the report underscores how collaborative efforts in satellite technology, Earth observation, and capacity building can address global challenges like climate change, food security, and connectivity.

The India Space Congress Report 2024 is cumulative on the proceedings and specific recommendations suggested during the India Space Congress held on 26th – 28th June 2024 under the theme “Bridging Boundaries and Transforming Tomorrow”.

The report on "Unlocking India’s Space Economy: Policy, Commercial Opportunities, and Authorization for Private Enterprises," in partnership with Gateway Consulting delves into the evolving landscape of India's space sector, highlighting the regulatory frameworks, commercial opportunities, and authorization processes for private enterprises.

The conference received support from eight prominent government and institutional entities, including NSIL, DRDO, MoD, MeitY, the Astronautical Society of India, the Aeronautical Society of India, RIS, and NIAS, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing India’s defence and space sectors.

A significant highlight of the event was the IndSpace Wargame 3.o: Global Perspectives on Space Security Challenges, engaging defence practitioners, industry leaders, and global experts. This strategic simulation, chaired by Lt. Gen. V. G. Khandare and conducted by Lt. Gen. PJS Pannu, depicted a contest between two notional adversaries, "Green Land" and "Orange Land," vying for space dominance. The exercise tackled complexities like the 4 Ds—Disrupt, Deny, Degrade, and Destroy—alongside information warfare tactics such as Delay and Deceive. With Dr. Subrata Rakshit as Technical Umpire and Dr. Ranjana Kaul as Umpire, the wargame emphasised resilience-building and operational superiority in evolving space security scenarios.

DefSat 2025 highlighted India's advancements in space and defence sectors through dynamic discussions, technical showcases, and innovative exhibitions. Key sessions included Safran's emphasis on Space Situational Awareness for mitigating debris, Planet’s insights on satellite data for defence, and Ananth Technologies’ focus on indigenous satellite solutions. The event showcased a remarkable array of technological advancements and innovations from leading companies in the space sector, including Qbit Labs, OrbitAID Aerospace Private Limited, Ananth Technologies, XDLINX Space Labs, Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) – DRDO, Pinaca Technologies, Maitravaruna Technologies Private Limited, ReOrbit, RVBW, Pramatra, Kerala Space Park, Logic Fruit Technologies, Raamtel, Safran, Galaxeye Space, and Dhruva Space. Each of these organizations contributed cutting-edge solutions that reflect the dynamic evolution of space technology and its critical role in modern defence strategies.

The Indian space sector stands on the cusp of transformation, and SIA-India is championing a forward-looking vision for Budget 2025-26 to elevate the nation's standing in the global space economy. The association has outlined strategic recommendations focusing on increased investment, policy reforms, and long-term planning to harness the immense opportunities within the sector.

Key proposals include significantly boosting the space budget to at least ₹40,000-50,000 crores (~$5-6B), which is more in line with countries like Japan and can start to bridge the gap with China. , scaling up the venture capital fund for the sector, and introducing a dedicated Space Force Command to enhance national security. SIA-India also emphasizes empowering women entrepreneurs through a Women-Led Startups Fund and fostering innovation in areas like green propulsion, reusable launch technologies, and quantum satellite communication.

A major highlight is the call for a 30-year commercial space plan with phased milestones and the establishment of a Space Economy Task Force to align financial incentives with growth objectives. Initiatives like Satellite Economic Accounts and space economy surveys are also proposed to quantify the sector's GDP contributions and enable data-driven policymaking.

SIA-India stresses the integration of satellite connectivity into BharatNet to bridge the digital divide in rural India, supported by tax exemptions and a Rural Digital Inclusion Fund. To boost exports, recommendations include simplifying regulations, introducing Export Credit Insurance for space companies, and investing in air- and sea-based launch platforms.

Reducing import dependency is another priority, with a focus on building domestic capabilities for critical space technologies. The association also proposes expanding NavIC's coverage to strengthen indigenous navigation systems and establishing a robust national space cybersecurity framework to safeguard growing space activities. With these comprehensive measures, SIA-India envisions a vibrant and competitive Indian space sector that not only bridges the digital divide but also secures global leadership in space.

SIA-India extends heartfelt congratulations to ISRO - Indian Space Research Organisation on achieving a significant milestone with the successful docking of the SpaDex (Space Docking Experiment) mission. This cost-effective technology demonstrator showcases India’s capabilities in in-space docking using small spacecraft.

This advanced docking technology is pivotal for India’s ambitious space exploration roadmap, including:
🔹 Space Stations: Supporting the development of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS).
🔹 Interplanetary Missions: Enabling futuristic missions such as Mangalyaan-2 and Shukrayaan-1.
🔹 Crewed Missions: Boosting the operational capabilities of the Gaganyaan Mission.
🔹 Satellite Servicing: Enhancing in-orbit satellite maintenance and refueling.

With SpaDex, India joins an elite group of nations—the United States, Russia, and China—that have successfully demonstrated this cutting-edge technology.

SIA-India also congratulates its member organization, Ananth Technologies, for its instrumental role in this historic achievement. The two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), were proudly manufactured in their state-of-the-art facilities.

Mr. Govindarajan D S, Board Member of SIA-India, chaired an insightful session on “Emerging Technologies in the Space Sector, Business Opportunities, and the Use of AI” at the prestigious Aerospace & Defence - 2025 event. The conference, themed “Strengthening India’s Needs Towards Building a Self-Reliant Bharat,” was organized by CONTINUUM in Bengaluru, in association with the MSME Development Institute (Bangalore), Team India Entrepreneurs (TIE), and supported by SIA-India. The session highlighted the transformative role of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in the space sector, emphasizing opportunities for businesses and India’s strategic growth in becoming a global space leader.

SIA-India’s Deputy Director General, Mr. Rajeev Gambhir, participated in a thought-provoking roundtable discussion on "Barrierless Tolling in India: Towards Efficient, Sustainable, and Innovative Infrastructure" at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi.

The session brought together industry leaders and policymakers to deliberate on key aspects of implementing advanced tolling systems in India. Mr. Gambhir shared his expert insights on the role of satellite communication (SatCom) and emerging technologies in driving innovation and efficiency in tolling infrastructure.

The discussion covered a broad range of topics, including:

On behalf of the entire space industry and the SIA-India community, we extend a warm welcome to Dr. V. Narayanan on his appointment as the new Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO - Indian Space Research Organisation. A distinguished expert in rocket propulsion, Dr. Narayanan is particularly celebrated for his groundbreaking work in cryogenic technology, which has been pivotal to the success of India’s most iconic space missions. His expertise has significantly contributed to landmark achievements such as Chandrayaan 1, 2, and 3, the Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission), and the Aditya-L1 Mission focused on solar studies.

Under Dr. Narayanan’s visionary leadership, the Indian space program is poised to reach new heights. With ambitious projects on the horizon, including the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Mission and the Chandrayaan-4 Lunar Exploration, his stewardship is expected to further cement India’s position as a global leader in space exploration. We congratulate Dr. Narayanan on this prestigious appointment and look forward to witnessing his leadership propel the Indian space sector towards unprecedented success and innovation.

On Army Day, SIA-India salutes the Indian Army’s bravery and dedication in safeguarding the nation. At the DefSAT Conference & Expo 2025, the session on "Space-Enabled Land Warfare: Enhancing Army Operations" showcased how space-based technologies are revolutionizing modern warfare. The discussion focused on satellite-driven intelligence for real-time decision-making and high-precision geolocation to improve navigation and operational efficiency. These advancements highlight the critical role of space in strengthening the Indian Army’s capabilities. SIA-India is grateful to the Indian Army for their service and acknowledges the importance of integrating space technology to bolster India’s defense strategy.

SIA-India bids a heartfelt farewell to Dr. S. Somanath, whose visionary leadership as Chairman of ISRO has propelled India’s space program to new heights. His tenure was marked by groundbreaking achievements, including the historic success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which significantly advanced India’s lunar exploration efforts. Dr. Somanath’s unwavering dedication, innovative thinking, and commitment to space exploration have left an indelible legacy on ISRO and the Indian space sector. As he steps down, we extend our deepest gratitude for his contributions and best wishes for his future endeavors. His leadership will continue to inspire generations to come.

 

As a MoU partner to the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), we invite you to attend IAC 2025 from 29 September to 03 October 2025. Hosted by SIAA in partnership with the Australian Space Agency and Investment NSW, the upcoming webinars on 22nd Jan 25 and 29th Jan 2025 are guiding mechanisms for abstract submission and important information circulation on IAC 2025.

The SIA-India team, led by Mr. Anil Prakash (Director General), Mr. Rajeev Gambhir (Deputy Director General), and Mr. K. Anbalgan (Deputy Director, International Relations), met with Mr. Nathan Davis, Trade and Investment Commissioner for South Asia, and Ms. Bidisha Pandey from Austrade at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi. SIA-India is actively collaborating with the High Commission and the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) to strengthen cooperation and foster partnerships between the Indian and Australian space sectors.

SIA-India is proud to participate in AeroIndia 2025, Asia’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition. Join us to witness spectacular aerial performances, cutting-edge aviation technology, and state-of-the-art defence innovations.

Dates: 10th-14th February 2025
Venue: Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru
Visit: www.aeroindia.com

As India marks 76 years of democracy, SIA-India proudly celebrates the nation’s technological strides that are shaping its role as a global leader in innovation, economic growth, and societal progress. Commemorating this occasion, Mr. Anil Prakash, Director General of SIA-India, emphasized the space sector's pivotal role in India's journey toward self-reliance and global prominence, "This Republic Day, let us celebrate not just our sovereignty but also our growing self-reliance in the space sector. Every satellite we launch and every breakthrough in space innovation is a tribute to our nation’s vision, driven by ISRO’s scientific excellence and the industry’s active participation. Together, we are propelling India toward becoming a global space powerhouse.
As we march toward hashtag#ViksitBharat 2047, the space sector will remain a cornerstone of our aspirations—empowering India to lead the world in technology, sustainability, and progress, fostering prosperity and peace."

SIA-India congratulates seven trailblazing Indian startups, including our esteemed members KaleidEO and EtherealX, for their selection in the prestigious Indo-U.S. space and defence collaboration program. Spearheaded by IndusBridge Ventures and Fedtech, Inc., this initiative positions Indian innovators to partner with U.S. agencies such as the Defence Innovation Unit and industry leaders like Lockheed Martin and RTX. This milestone signifies India’s growing footprint in the global space and defence ecosystem. With its cutting-edge technology and innovation, India is positioning itself as a leader in the $45B satellite services market by 2030.

SIA-India congratulates its members XDLINX Space Labs and Ananth Technologies as their Elevation-1 microsatellite has been successfully launched. The spacecraft will test the world’s first miniaturized space-grade E-band communication payload, and measurement and other transmission data will be used to develop advanced propagation models for Almagest’s global high-speed and ultra-high throughput (UHTS) LEO constellation.

The Elevation-1 mission, built on the XDSAT-NS platform by XDLINX Space Labs, will be the first space mission to showcase E-band communications, a vital advancement for millimeter-wave space systems. Antaris Inc powers the satellite, which was assembled, integrated, and tested by Ananth Technologies for flight qualification. It will be operated through Leaf Space’s global ground segment network. This milestone is a collaboration with leading partners, including Filtronic, IQ spacecom, and Flann, and highlights the innovative spirit and complementary expertise of all involved.

SIA-India congratulates its member, OrbitAID Aerospace, on successfully raising $1.5 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Unicorn India Ventures. This funding will accelerate the company’s efforts to conduct an in-space demonstration of docking and refueling operations, expand facilities for on-orbit servicing, and advance their patented SIDRP (Standard Interface Docking and Refuelling Port) to commercial readiness.

The SIDRP technology, recently tested on a zero-gravity flight in Florida, is designed to extend the lifespan and functionality of satellites, reduce space debris, and enhance the long-term viability of space infrastructure. These advancements position OrbitAID Aerospace at the forefront of sustainable space operations, contributing to a cleaner and more efficient orbital environment.

Mr Anil Prakash
Director General, SIA-India

New Delhi, India's space sector wants the government to spend more on space-based services, slash taxes to spur growth of start-ups and introduce a production-linked incentive scheme for them in the Union Budget. The sector has put forward its demand ahead of the Union Budget for 2025-26 on February.

New Delhi [India], January 18: SIA-India successfully hosted the 3rd edition of its flagship event, the DefSat Conference and Expo 2025, from January 8th to 10th at the prestigious Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. 

This is where the brightest minds in defence and space technology converged and showcased groundbreaking advancements in space technology and its impact on modern warfare. 

on 3rd edition of DefSat Conference &Expo2025, major attractions in cutting edge technology present in Expo and Space WarGame, space security challenges. Vision TV World.

From robotic expeditions to the moon to a new observatory in space to a rendezvous with an asteroid, 2025 promises to be packed with ambitious space exploration.

On Monday (20 January 2025), Secretary General, Mark Rutte welcomed the new European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, to NATO Headquarters for a meeting with Allies in the North Atlantic Council.

 

WASHINGTON — Finland signed the Artemis Accords Jan. 21, the first country to do so this year amid questions about the future of the agreement in the new Trump administration.

TAMPA, Fla. — European satellite maker Thales Alenia Space and Spanish operator Hispasat have secured government funding to develop a geostationary payload that uses quantum technology to distribute encryption keys.