PM Modi launches Indian Space Association

Setting a target to transform Indian industry from being a supplier of components to the global space sector to a builder of end-to-end space systems, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched the Indian Space Association (ISpA) which will act as the premier body for space and satellite companies in the country.

Key Highlights

• Stating that the government will play the role of an enabler and aggregator of space assets, Modi told the industry that this was not a time for linear innovation, but for exponential innovation, for which it was making launchpads and space facilities accessible to startups and the private sector.
• The Indian Space Association (ISpA) will be headed by Jayant Patil, senior executive vice president – Defence, L&T-NxT as its chairman, and Bharti Airtel’s chief regulatory officer Rahul Vatts as its vice-chairman, while Lt Gen. A.K. Bhatt (Retd.) has been appointed as the director-general of the association.
• Among its early members include Bharti Airtel, Larsen & Toubro, Nelco (Tata Group), OneWeb, Mapmyindia, Walchandnagar Industries and Ananth Technology Limited.
• The virtual launch of the ISpA, which was telecast live with members from various government departments and ministries, included a session for startups and industry players to suggest changes and enhancements to India’s plan for augmenting the space sector.

SOURCE: Economic Times

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