C2C Advanced Systems is at the forefront of the defense sector, specialising in the manufacturing of smart defense systems powered by cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and radar systems. Their mission is to shape the future of defense by enabling rapid decision-making and enhancing security through advanced solutions.

Viasat is a global communications company dedicated to ensuring that everyone and everything can be connected for over 30 years. Viasat leverages advanced satellite technology to provide seamless, secure, highspeed internet to remote communities, militaries, and travelers—whether on land, at sea, or in the air.

XDLINX Space Labs, founded in 2022 and based in Hyderabad, is an innovative Indian space technology startup specializing in nano and microsatellites. They offer hosted payload options tailored to meet the diverse needs of both commercial and defence sectors, aiming to commoditize deepspace technology and make it more accessible and affordable for a wide range of clients.

Dhruva Space Private Limited is a National Award-winning space technology company focused on building full-stack Space engineering solutions. The company is based out of Hyderabad, India, and is actively building application-agnostic satellite platforms. Dhruva Space offers Satellites coupled with Earth stations and Launch services as an integrated solution or individually as a technology solution to power Space-based applications, on Earth and beyond.

India has successfully achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the successful launch and deployment of ISRO’s PSLV-C60 mission. This historic event positions India as the fourth nation globally to demonstrate advanced docking capabilities, solidifying its global stature in space exploration and technological innovation.

The mission showcased two revolutionary developments: the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) and the PS4 Orbital Experiment Module (POEM-4), both pivotal to India’s ambitious goals of establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and advancing the Chandrayaan-4 program.

SPADEX: A Leap Toward India’s Space Station Aspirations The SPADEX initiative successfully demonstrated the docking of two spacecraft, CHASER and TARGET, in Earth’s orbit. This achievement marks a critical step toward realizing ISRO’s vision for the Indian Space Station and deep-space missions, including Chandrayaan-4. The spacecraft were integrated and tested at Ananth Technologies in Bengaluru, in collaboration with the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) and ISRO.

POEM-4: A Showcase of Cutting-Edge Innovations Alongside SPADEX, the PS4 Orbital Experiment Module (POEM-4) successfully demonstrated ten payloads developed by Next Generation Enterprises (NGEs), showcasing India’s thriving private-sector contributions to the space industry. Key highlights include:

Green Propulsion Thruster (VYOM2U): Developed by Manastu Space, this hydrogen peroxide-based monopropellant thruster offers a safer, high-performance alternative to hydrazine. With a thrust of 1.1 N, a specific impulse exceeding 250 seconds, and a total impulse over 1200 Ns, it demonstrates remarkable continuous firing capabilities of up to 1000 seconds.

SAR Imaging Demonstration Payload (GLX-SQ): Created by GalaxEye, this payload successfully performed onboard generation, processing, and compression of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images within 10 minutes, reducing raw data from 400 MB to just 1.5 MB. This achievement paves the way for advanced SAR and Earth Observation (EO) missions, enhancing India’s remote sensing capabilities.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have officially signed an agreement aimed at advancing collaboration in astronaut training, mission implementation, and research experiments. The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperative activities in human space exploration, emphasizing astronaut training, experiment development, and integration using ESA facilities on the International Space Station (ISS).

As part of their collaboration, both agencies are preparing for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, which will feature ISRO's Gaganyatri alongside an ESA astronaut as crew members. They will work together to implement experiments proposed by Indian Principal Investigators aboard the ISS. Furthermore, ISRO plans to engage in ESA's human physiological studies and technology demonstration experiments, along with joint educational outreach initiatives. This partnership not only strengthens existing ties between the two agencies but also sets the stage for future advancements in human spaceflight capabilities

SIA-India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) to advance collaboration in the satellite communications and space industry. This strategic partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting the growth and sustainability of space-based technologies and applications that benefit both nations.

SIA-India will lead efforts to build local expertise in Ghana through specialized training programs, including workshops, seminars, and certification initiatives for space professionals. Both organizations will also engage in pilot projects focused on Earth observation, food security, and disaster management, utilizing geospatial data and analytics to address key socio-economic challenges. In addition, the collaboration will promote the exchange of industry information and foster bilateral engagements through joint events, conferences, and promotional activities, further enhancing the visibility and growth of both countries' space sectors. The MoU also underscores the importance of international cooperation, with both parties committing to represent their shared interests at global space forums.

SIA-India’s Deputy Director General, Mr. Rajeev Gambhir, shared his insights in a session on “Shaping the Future of Defence Space Capabilities” at the Indian Defence Conclave. In his address, Mr. Gambhir offered policy-driven insights into the transformative role of space technologies in multi-domain operations, enhancing national security, and strengthening India's position as a global leader in defence. He emphasized fostering partnerships and collaboration to build a resilient, advanced defence ecosystem. The key takeaways include balancing innovation with offset requirements to drive sustainable growth, leveraging PPP models to amplify the impact across industries, establishing vendor accountability to ensure project success, streamlining procurement frameworks to enhance efficiency and agility, promoting standardization for seamless integration of defence technologies, and tackling cybersecurity challenges to protect critical space assets.  

SIA-India member, XDLINX Labs has entered into a strategic partnership with ExLabs to pioneer advancements in space infrastructure and exploration. This collaboration aims to integrate cutting-edge spacecraft subsystems with sustainable technologies to develop a seamless pipeline extending from low-Earth orbit (LEO) to the uncharted frontiers of deep space. By combining their expertise, the two organizations seek to provide rare insights into foreign particles and unknown cosmic elements, establish new benchmarks for scalable and sustainable space infrastructure, and advance humanity's understanding of the universe. This initiative marks a significant step forward in redefining the future of space exploration and infrastructure, emphasizing technological innovation and the pursuit of knowledge.

SIA-India member, Avantel Limited has been honored with the prestigious Silver IEI Industry Excellence Award 2024 by the Institution of Engineers (India). Recognized in the category of Engineering Manufacturing and Processing, this accolade highlights Avantel's unwavering dedication to innovation, precision, and excellence in engineering. The award underscores the company’s significant contributions to advancing technological solutions and its commitment to setting new benchmarks in the industry.

OrbitAID Aerospace, a pioneering Indian space startup and esteemed member of SIA-India, has announced a significant breakthrough in satellite servicing technology. The company successfully tested its patented Standard Interface for Docking and Refueling (SIDRP) during a zero-gravity flight in Florida, demonstrating its readiness for on-orbit operations. This critical achievement validates SIDRP's advanced capabilities, including satellite docking, refueling, and proximity operations, under simulated space conditions. The milestone marks a major step forward in OrbitAID Aerospace’s mission to revolutionize in-space satellite servicing and extend the operational lifespan of satellites.

Our member, Onnes Cryogenics showcased its remarkable journey of growth and innovation at the ICC Venture Catalyst Space Program Graduation held in Adelaide.

Mr Anil Prakash
Director General, SIA-India

Strategists and business leaders from the defence and space sectors will converge here next month to share experiences and deliberate on new opportunities in the area that has emerged as a critical link in securing the country's borders. The third DefSat Conference and Expo, scheduled to be held at the Manekshaw Centre here from January 8-10, is expected to provide a platform to explore the synergies between defence modernisation and India's expanding space ambitions.

Satcom Industry Association India (SIA-India) has inked an MoU with Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) to advance collaboration in satellite communications and space industry. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting growth and sustainability of space-based technologies and applications that benefit both nations.

Demonstration of seed germination in outer space, a robotic arm to catch a tethered debris there, and testing of green propulsion systems are some of the experiments planned on the POEM-4 -- the fourth stage of ISRO's PSLV rocket that remains in orbit after launching a satellite. The PSLV-C60 mission, slated for an yearend launch, is scheduled to place the twin satellites 'Chaser and Target' to demonstrate the space docking technologies that are crucial for building India's space station.

Washington: Officials from India and the United States have charted next steps in space collaboration, including human spaceflight, joint space exploration and a commitment to facilitating commercial partnerships between space companies to advance the shared interests in the growing space economy, the White House said on Wednesday. A meeting in this regard was held in Houston on December 17. The participants in the meeting were US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra.

Thirty Indian companies have answered the space regulator's call to build and operate constellations of Earth observation (EO) satellites in a groundbreaking private-public partnership to reduce the country's reliance on foreign data for defense, infrastructure management and other critical mapping needs.