Enhancing India's Satellite Production Abilities: Overcoming Obstacles and Capitalizing on Prospects
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is spearheading India's vision to boost the engagement of the domestic industry in the space technology sector. With a focus on expanding domestic demand and strengthening the ecosystem for space startups, CII is at the forefront of India's anticipated growth in the space sector.
One of the key drivers of this growth is satellite manufacturing. The liberalization of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2024 for satellite manufacturing and operation, as well as satellite data products, has opened doors for foreign partnerships for Indian space companies. This move has been instrumental in fostering collaborations with ISRO and international players, enabling companies like Bellatrix Aerospace, SatSure, Pixxel, and Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space to create niche satellite technologies.
Bellatrix Aerospace and SatSure have made strides in small and nanosatellites for Earth observation and agricultural data, while Bengaluru-based Pixxel has demonstrated India's ability to create high-resolution Earth observation satellites with its "Anand" satellite. Dhruva Space, on the other hand, has produced domestically designed and manufactured small satellites, Thybolt-1 and Thybolt-2, and successfully deployed them through ISRO's PSLV C54.
The country's investment in infrastructure for satellite manufacturing and operations is evident in the development of satellite integration and testing facilities, ground stations, and satellite manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. This investment is a testament to India's ambition to become a global hub for satellite manufacturing, particularly for small and nano satellites.
India's satellite manufacturing sector is supported by government policies, technological innovations, and the increasing involvement of public and private players. The sector's competitive edge lies in cost-effective satellite production and ongoing technological advancements.
The CII's National Committee on Space is organising a roundtable on "Boosting India's Capability in Satellite Manufacturing: Navigating Challenges and Unlocking Opportunities" in Bengaluru on 26th November 2024. The roundtable aims to foster productive discussions, gather insights from industry leaders and startups, and shape actionable recommendations to present to relevant authorities. For more information about the roundtable, contact [email protected].
India's stake in the global space economy is currently valued at USD 8.4 billion and is projected to reach USD 44 billion by 2033. With strategic public-private collaborations, India is seeing several success stories in satellite manufacturing over the past five years. The upcoming IN-SPACe's Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS) framework is intended to further enhance satellite data management.
As India continues to make strides in the space sector, it is clear that the future is bright for satellite manufacturing and Earth observation in the country. The CII's dedication to encouraging Indian industry's participation is crucial in boosting indigenous capabilities, building capacities, and advancing technologies in the space sector.
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