With the defence and space sectors set for significant expansion, anticipating double-digit growth rates over the coming decade and a substantial budget announcement of Rs. 23,855 crores for the FY 2024-25, the 3rd edition of the DefSat has been scheduled to be held on 08 – 10 January 2025. The highlights include thematic sessions, B2B sessions to connect defence officials and private companies in a strategic matchmaking session, a cybersecurity workshop, and Hackathon.

SIA-India extends its wishes for World Space Week 2024, celebrating the transformative power of the space sector. Director General Mr. Anil Prakash emphasized the sector's rapid evolution, stating, "Space is unlocking unprecedented opportunities for growth, innovation, and global cooperation." From enhancing satellite communications to addressing challenges like climate change, agriculture, and disaster management, space continues to hold limitless potential. SIA-India looks forward to a future where space drives innovation and cross-border collaboration for the betterment of life on Earth.

SIA-India has strongly advocated for the exclusive allocation of the 27.5–28.5 GHz frequency band for satellite services, in line with global best practices, to ensure satellite communications can provide last-mile connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The association also recommends utilizing the 27.0–31.0 GHz (uplink) and 17.7–21.2 GHz (downlink) bands for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS), including Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) systems, to boost satellite capabilities in India.

To promote long-term investments in satellite infrastructure, SIA-India has proposed spectrum assignments with a 20-year tenure and pricing set at 1% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) for NGSO-based services. The association stresses the importance of secure and predictable access to spectrum to drive innovation and ensure India’s satellite communications can meet growing demands across commercial, civil, and military sectors while continuing to bridge the digital divide across the country.

SIA-India, in collaboration with the IndUS Tech Council, is pleased to announce the launch of the PRISM 2024 Webinar Series. This dynamic initiative aims to address the complexities surrounding export controls and trade practices specific to the defence and space sectors. The series will hold insightful discussions and expert perspectives that will facilitate a better understanding of these critical areas. Stay tuned for more details on registration and the webinar schedule.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) groundbreaking PROBA-3 mission in November 2024, marking a significant milestone in international space collaboration. PROBA-3, the first ESA mission dedicated to precision formation flying, consists of two satellites that will operate as a coordinated unit, simulating a large structure in space. This innovative initiative aims to create an artificial eclipse, allowing scientists to observe the Sun’s faint outer atmosphere, or corona, with unprecedented clarity. By blocking out sunlight, the mission will facilitate in-depth studies of solar phenomena, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can significantly impact space weather and terrestrial technologies.

ISRO is set to launch two Space Docking Satellites (SPADEX) aboard PSLV-C60 in December. This experiment aims to enhance India's capabilities in space docking, a crucial step toward future missions, including landing Indian astronauts on the Moon and developing the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS). Additionally, the Microsat-2A and 2B spacecraft have been officially flagged off after completing end-to-end assembly, integration, and testing at Ananth Technologies Pvt. Ltd. in Bengaluru. The ATL team, under the guidance of the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), played a key role in this process.

SIA-India's Director General, Mr. Anil Prakash, and Deputy Director General, Mr. Rajeev Gambhir, participated in the prestigious International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2024 held in Milan. Their presence emphasized SIA-India’s commitment to forging stronger partnerships with global space leaders. The discussions focused on advancing India's role in the international space community, exploring opportunities for collaboration, and supporting the vision of a sustainable and secure space environment.

India proudly becomes the first Asian nation to host the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)'s World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024. This significant event brings together global leaders to set standards for communication technology, marking a pivotal moment for the Indian telecom sector. SIA-India participates in this world's largest assembly, contributing to discussions that will shape the future of communication standards worldwide.

Mr. Anil Prakash, Director General of SIA-India, will participate in a panel discussion on "The India Satcom Market" on November 7, 2024, at the APSCC Satellite Conference & Exhibition in Bangkok. Held from November 5-7, 2024, APSCC 2024 marks its 25th edition under the theme "Navigating an Unchartered Future: Facing Disruptions and Opportunities in the Space Industry." The event will gather Asia-Pacific satellite and space industry professionals to explore market trends, partnerships, and new business opportunities.

SIA-India is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Indo-Pacific Space & Earth Conference (IPSEC) 2024 as a knowledge partner. The preliminary agenda has just been released, showcasing an exciting line-up of sessions that delve into the integration of space technology with key sectors, including mining, agriculture, cyber, and defence. Additionally, the conference will feature a joint exhibition with the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF), highlighting ground-breaking initiatives and advancements in space exploration.

SIA-India is a supporting partner to the upcoming g event on "Digitizing Make in India: The Aerospace & Defence Edition," organized by Z47 Venture Capitals in collaboration with Mount Tech Growth Fund -Kavachh. This event will take place on Wednesday, 23rd October 2024, at 6:30 PM IST in New Delhi. Interested participants are encouraged to RSVP for the exact location.

SIA-India celebrates the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, honoring his enduring legacy of peace, non-violence, and truth. His teachings continue to inspire generations worldwide, serving as a powerful reminder of simplicity, resilience in adversity, and the value of self-reliance.

In celebration of World Space Week 2024, SIA-India partnered with Kreativity League to introduce a competition marking a historic collaboration between Indian and US education systems, offering three exciting contests for students in grades 5-12. Participants can choose from three unique competitions including #STEMpreneur, which focuses on scientific entrepreneurship, #Astropreneur for aspiring space enthusiasts, or #RoboQuest, centered around cutting-edge robotics.

SIA-India is proud to share that its member Manastu Space Technologies has been recognized as a ‘League of 10’ winner at Nasscom’s Emerge 50 Awards 2024. Manastu Space is transforming satellite propulsion through its innovative green technology, which enhances space safety by minimizing hazardous fuel handling, improving satellite maneuverability, and reducing collision risks. This groundbreaking approach not only decreases space debris generation but also promotes sustainable space operations, facilitating more efficient satellite missions.

SIA-India member Viasat, Inc., a leading global satellite communications company, has been awarded a $33.6 million contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) under the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) program. The contract, which includes options, focuses on the development and delivery of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) systems. These systems aim to provide resilient satellite communications for tactical aircraft, including rotary wing platforms, further enhancing defense capabilities.

Mr Anil Prakash
Director General, SIA-India

The 2nd edition of ADITI Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX is launched with 19 Problem Statements from the Armed Forces, DSA, ICG and GRSE for resolution by Startups, MSMEs and innovators.

In a momentous recognition of India's achievements in space exploration, Dr. S. Somanath, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been awarded the prestigious International Astronautical Federation (IAF) World Space Award for the remarkable success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

MILAN — The nations signed up to the Artemis Accords are looking to spread the word on common principles and best practices on exploring outer space. Estonia became the 45th country to sign up to the Accords just ahead........

The Space Technology conclave will focus on four key themes: space policy, international collaboration, scientific research and development, space entrepreneurship and business....