Globalstar, Apple’s satellite communication partner, has officially applied to IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) to offer satellite-based emergency messaging services in India. This marks a pivotal development in India’s satellite communication (satcom) ecosystem. The application aims to enable iPhone users to access emergency SOS messaging and location sharing in areas without cellular coverage. This signals a turning point for India’s satcom landscape, bringing global attention to India's regulatory openness and market readiness. It further boosts private sector interest in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), creates potential for domestic collaborations with device makers and service providers, and spurs innovation. The application is expected to catalyse a new wave of interest among global and domestic players, paving the way for strategic collaborations between satellite operators, device manufacturers, and local service providers. While the operational rollout remains contingent on critical regulatory approvals such as GMPCS licensing and spectrum allocation, Globalstar’s entry reflects a broader shift in India’s connectivity ambitions—bridging remote communication gaps, boosting innovation, and setting a global precedent in public-private satcom integration.

The recent imposition of a 26% reciprocal tariff by U.S. President Donald Trump on Indian imports has raised concerns across various sectors. However, India's space industry is strategically positioned to mitigate these challenges. Key factors contributing to this resilience include a globally diversified supply chain sourcing components from regions like the European Union, Israel, and Japan, thereby reducing dependency on U.S. imports. Additionally, the Indian government's policy reforms, notably permitting 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in space manufacturing under the automatic route, have attracted significant investments and bolstered domestic innovation. These measures, combined with proactive trade strategies such as increasing imports of U.S. oil and defence equipment and reducing tariffs on over 8,500 industrial items, highlight India's commitment to constructive engagement while safeguarding its strategic interests. Financial institutions like SBI, Goldman Sachs, Nomura, and Fitch project that the overall impact of the tariffs on India's economy will be limited, given its diversified trade portfolio and robust GDP growth prospects.

Intelsat, in collaboration with Northrop Grumman's SpaceLogistics LLC, has successfully completed the first-ever satellite life-extension mission, marking a significant milestone in space operations. The Mission Extension Vehicle-1 (MEV-1) docked with the Intelsat 901 (IS-901) satellite in February 2020, nearly 19 years after its initial launch, providing an additional five years of reliable service and global connectivity. Upon completion of its mission, MEV-1 safely detached and manoeuvred IS-901 to a designated graveyard orbit, concluding the satellite's service after nearly 24 years. This pioneering achievement demonstrates the potential of in-orbit servicing to enhance satellite sustainability and efficiency, setting a new precedent for extending the operational life of geostationary satellites beyond their typical 15-year lifespan. 

The success of this mission signals a paradigm shift in satellite lifecycle management. This breakthrough has broad implications for defence, commercial, and governmental satellite operators, enhancing mission flexibility and resilience in geosynchronous orbits. As demand for space-based services rises, life-extension vehicles could become a cornerstone technology, driving the next phase of innovation in satellite operations and space sustainability.

SIA-India invites college students, research scholars, and young entrepreneurs (below 30 years) to contribute to India Space Congress 2025—a premier platform for shaping the future of space innovation and policy.

Updated Timeline:

1. Abstract Submission Deadline: April 30, 2025
2. Notification of Acceptance: May 1st week, 2025
3. Full Paper Submission Deadline: May 30, 2025
4. Final Release to Authors: First week of June 2025 
5. Conference Scheduled: June 25-27, New Delhi
6. Announcement & Recognitions: ISC 2025

Themes:
1. Space Sustainability & Debris Management – Economic & Technological Perspectives
2. Space-Based Geospatial Technologies – Governance & Industry Applications
3. Space & Life Sciences – Market Potential & Industry Applications
4. CIS-Lunar Economy in 2050 – The Future of Space Commerce
5. Cyber Security for Space-Based Assets – Challenges & Technological Solutions

submit your abstract:  click here

Note: Applicable for Indian Citizens only.

For more Info: click here

Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences as the Special Guest of Honour at the India Space Congress 2025.

Lt. General Vinod G. Khandare PVSM, AVSM, SM — Principal Advisor, Ministry of Defence, as the Special Guest of Honour at India Space Congress 2025.

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Dept. to Science and Technology, as the Special Guest of Honour at the India Space Congress 2025!

SIA-India recently engaged with the visiting Bavarian delegation led by H.E. Tobias Gotthardt, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy, to present a detailed overview of India’s rapidly growing Defence and Space sectors. The interaction emphasized India’s expanding industrial ecosystem and highlighted significant opportunities for Bavarian and German companies—ranging from established enterprises to emerging start-ups—to collaborate with India’s space industry. The discussion underlined India’s commitment to fostering international partnerships aimed at advancing technological innovation, unlocking new markets, and jointly serving broader regions such as Africa and the Indo-Pacific. SIA-India reiterated its role as a facilitator of strategic global partnerships, supporting cross-border technological exchange and a shared vision of space as a driver of inclusive growth and development.

At the Italy-India Business, Science & Technology Forum held on April 10–11 at The Imperial, New Delhi, SIA-India’s Director General, Mr. Anil Prakash, addressed a gathering of over 100 Italian companies, emphasizing the growing scope for bilateral cooperation in the space sector. During the forum, he highlighted SIA-India’s commitment to facilitating international collaboration by connecting Indian space startups with global markets and creating entry pathways for international stakeholders into India’s expanding space ecosystem. Mr. Prakash also extended an invitation for participation in India Space Congress 2025 (ISC 2025), positioning it as a premier platform for co-creating space innovation and forging cross-border partnerships.

A high-level interaction took place featuring key dignitaries including Dr. Saurav Agrawal, DG, Economic Council of India; H.E. Patrik John Rata, High Commissioner of New Zealand to India; Dr. Pushpa Wood ONZM, Director of the NZ Fin-Ed Centre, Massey University; Mr. Anil Prakash, DG, SIA-India; and Mr. Anbalagan K, Dy. Director, International Cooperation, SIA-India. Massey University, a leading academic institution from New Zealand, has recently signed MoUs with Maharaja Agrasen University and Assam Central University to introduce management programmes. Building on this foundation, SIA-India is exploring opportunities to collaborate with Massey University in establishing Aerospace Engineering courses in India, aimed at enhancing academic-industrial synergy and advancing capacity-building in the space sector.

 

SIA-India, in collaboration with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), successfully inaugurated the Space Cybersecurity Awareness Network (SCAN) with a kick-off webinar on 7 April 2025, titled “Deconstructing Space Sector Cybersecurity: Preparing for Autonomous Operations.” The session featured opening remarks from Mr. Anil Prakash, Director General, SIA-India; Lt Gen PJS Pannu, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Senior Advisor, SIA-India and Former Deputy Chief Integrated Defence Staff (Operations); and Mr. Vinayak Godse, CEO, DSCI. The webinar highlighted the pressing need to embed cybersecurity “by design” within India’s rapidly evolving space sector, which is valued at USD 570 billion and growing at 8% annually.

Key highlights included discussions on the vulnerabilities of legacy systems, payload risks, lagging regulations, and rising geopolitical threats. Speakers emphasised that PNT, ISR, and communications form the critical triad of modern warfare—demanding resilience as a national imperative. With projections indicating up to 17 trillion cyberattacks annually by 2047, the webinar also stressed the urgent need for trusted AI deployment, verification frameworks, and the standardization of cyber protocols to ensure secure collaboration across global space ecosystems. SCAN marks a pivotal step toward cultivating a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that secures India’s strategic space infrastructure as it moves toward autonomous operations.

SIA-India is set to participate in the 5th edition of the AeroDef India Manufacturing Expo, scheduled from May 01–03, 2025, at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Dwarka, New Delhi. The event serves as a premier platform for stakeholders across the aerospace and defence ecosystem to showcase innovations, exchange ideas, and foster industry partnerships aligned with the national missions of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Key highlights include interactions with defence PSUs, global OEMs, and technology innovators, alongside live demonstrations in automation, robotics, and precision engineering. The Expo also features co-located events such as the Drone Manufacturing Expo and E-Manufacturing Expo. SIA-India’s participation underscores its commitment to strengthening indigenous capabilities and facilitating collaborations across the growing Indian space and defence sectors.

Elena Geo Systems Pvt. Ltd., a member of SIA-India, launched India’s first NavIC Timing Server. The launch marks a significant milestone in the advancement of indigenous satellite-based timing solutions tailored to national needs. Built on Safran’s SecureSync chassis, the server leverages Elena’s deep NavIC expertise and is engineered to accommodate future NavIC signal enhancements. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to developing a comprehensive ecosystem of NavIC-powered timing infrastructure—from table-top devices to globally benchmarked servers—thereby strengthening India’s positioning in satellite navigation technologies.

Astrogate Labs, a valued member of SIA-India, has been recognized among the “Top 16 Startups” in the Aerospace & Defence category at Venturise – Invest Karnataka 2025. This prestigious acknowledgment underscores the company’s dedication to driving innovation in the aerospace sector and reinforces its mission to deliver transformative technologies that extend human capabilities beyond Earth. Selected alongside other pioneering ventures, Astrogate’s inclusion reflects its growing impact on the space ecosystem and marks a significant milestone in its journey towards building cutting-edge solutions for the future.

American Airlines, in collaboration with Intelsat, is progressing toward equipping over 500 regional jets with advanced multi-orbit satellite connectivity by the end of 2025. This initiative is a strategic component of American's plan to offer complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi to AAdvantage loyalty members starting January 2026, covering approximately 90% of its fleet . Currently, more than 125 regional jets are operational with Intelsat’s multi-orbit Electronically Steered Array (ESA) system, which seamlessly integrates geostationary and low Earth orbit satellites to provide reliable, low-latency internet access throughout North America . Intelsat has secured commitments to install this cutting-edge connectivity solution on 1,000 aircraft globally, underscoring the aviation industry's shift toward enhanced passenger connectivity experiences.

Mr Anil Prakash
Director General, SIA-India

The 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025, the world’s largest and most influential space congress, is set to take place from 29 September to 3 October 2025 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, Australia. The event will gather global space leaders, innovators, policymakers, and professionals to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and shape the future of the space sector across industries and cultures.

📅 Date: 29 September – 3 October 2025 | Sydney, Australia

🔗 Register Now: click here

Google Unveils Sec-Gemini v1: A Game-Changing AI Model for Cybersecurity Defense

The firms aim to build trust in a credibility-heavy market while navigating through defence and regulatory frameworks.