The first panel of the day at the Indian Space Conclave 2023 commenced with the theme of the importance of forging partnerships in the space industry, emphasizing mutual growth and technological advancement between India and France.
Nikhil Mallavarapu, Executive Director of Centum Electronics, discussed the significance of such partnerships within the space industry. He highlighted how Centum Electronics had benefited, becoming the second-largest company in space component manufacturing.
He stated, “Our company’s success can be primarily attributed to our focus on providing flexible solutions tailored to customer and project-specific requirements. Deep domain knowledge is essential for high-technology segments, and we prioritize high quality and reliability.”
Centum Electronics is a prominent industry partner for the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), DRDO labs, and Defence PSUs. They have delivered mission-critical electronics for major missile, radar, electronic warfare, and satellite applications, including more than 200 mission-critical modules for the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
Anurag Garg, CSMO of Thales India, contributed to the conversation by highlighting their strong partnership with the Indian Defence. He stated, “We are the sole company producing local AIT (Advanced Integration Technology) for radar and electronic warfare.”
Thales has signed significant contracts with the Indian Ministry of Defence, providing state-of-the-art equipment and systems for the Dassault Rafale aircraft, such as the RBE2 AESA radar, the Spectra electronic warfare system, optronics, communication navigation and identification system (CNI), cockpit display systems, power generation systems, and logistics support components.
Garg also emphasized the company’s commitment to improving the customer experience and meeting their requirements by reducing turnaround time (TAT) in project delivery.
Space Business Catalyst
Thales has initiated “The Space Business Catalyst,” led by Thales Alenia Space’s Innovation Cluster, to support the emergence of new markets and players in the space sector. This industry accelerator aims to shape and develop the future space ecosystem through collaborations with the best startups.
It capitalizes on the experience gained from the Innovation Cluster and already hosts its first entrepreneurial projects and startups. Through these collaborations, the Space Business Catalyst aims to shape future space disruptions on a global scale.
The Need for Strategic Business Partnerships with India
Safran Data Systems, specializing in telemetry, particularly in space surveillance and communication, is currently experiencing significant growth and generating fresh challenges for the group.
They manufacture flight test instrumentation and telemetry for onboard systems for aircraft, recording and transmitting acquired data in real-time. They also provide a complete range of land-based satellite tracking stations for EO and Communication Satellites, as well as equipment for satellite manufacturers, integrators, space agencies, and commercial operators.
Noel Ballot, EVP Sales & Marketing at Safran Data System, mentioned plans to increase the workforce from 500 to 800 by the end of 2025. He stated, “We have plans for strategic partnerships with India in the future.”
Venkat Katkuri, Head of Defense and Space at Airbus, highlighted their joint development of communication satellites with ISRO. He also mentioned French Observation Satellites SPOT 5 and SPOT 6, which are commercial satellites capable of imaging sections of land 60 kilometers wide, designed for wide-swath high-resolution imagery.
The SPOT series, introduced in 1986 by the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), has been a valuable source of high-resolution optical imagery, aiding in mapping, vegetation monitoring, land use, land cover, and disaster impact assessment.
The latest satellites in the series, SPOT 6 and SPOT 7, are owned by Airbus Defence and Space and ensure data continuity through 2024.
GIFAS (Groupement des industries françaises aéronautiques et spatiales), the French Aerospace Industries Association and Indian Space Association (ISpA), an industry body representing the emerging New space sector, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at the Indian Space Conclave, 2023 on working together on business development, innovation and policy regulation.
#IndianSpaceConclave2023 : @GifasOfficiel inks MoU with @ISpA_India.
Cedric Post, Deputy Director International, European and Commercial Affairs, GIFAS, says, "As part of the MoU we're committed to work together on business development, innovation, & policy regulation." #ISC2023 pic.twitter.com/ngHw13yV8I— Geospatial World (@geoworldmedia) October 9, 2023
The examples above illustrate the emerging space sector in India in collaboration with France on the global stage, highlighting the importance of developing future space technology for both nations, India and France.
