The second chapter of Indian Space Conclave 2023, organized by the Indian Space Association (ISpA) commences today. The conclave coincides with the celebration of World Space Week, commemorating the global contributions of science and technology in space exploration and highlighting India’s achievements and contribution.
The conclave intends to create a common platform for organizations and stakeholders with a keen interest in boosting India’s space capability and plans.
Lt Gen AK Bhatt, Director General, ISpA presented the welcome address where he said, “We welcome 24 French companies to build collaboration in future. We look forwards to explore the potential of collaboration and innovation in space sector, and how international collaborations can be done in space sector.”
Chirag Doshi, MD & CEO, Walchandnagar Industries Ltd and Member, EC & Co-chair, Launch Vehicle Committee, ISpA said, “Indo-French collaboration goes back to the development of sounding rockets in the 1960s. New Space revolution necessitates expanding Indo-French partnership through the startups and private sectors. Beyond ISRO and CNES, we have the opportunity to strengthen this relationship to develop state-of-the art space facilities. Both India and France believe in using space to solve pressing challenges such as climate change. India and France have a shared ambition to harness the immense potential of space for the benefit of mankind.”
Stephane Vesval, SVP Sales and Marketing, Airbus Defense and Space said, “We have a rich experience of engaging with Indian space sector. In 2005, we jointly build a telecommunications satellite. OneWeb satellites have been launched aboard GSLV MKIII.ISRO and CNES have a long history, and we are at a turning point now as the space market is evolving. Indian government has a special role to play as an anchor in the development of a space ecosystem, particularly in defence, telecom, and connectivity. Space is a capex-heavy sector by default. India and France are writing a new chapter, building on the foundations laid by our respective space agencies, ISRO and CNES.”
Astronaut Thomas Pesquet, ESA said, “India is on the cusp of achieving a significant milestone with the Gaganyan human spaceflight Mission important mission. India is the second non-European partner of France in space. The pace of space exploration on space realization is accelerating globally. Space is at the forefront of climate change.”
Shri S Somanath, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO said, “In India, space sector has created an awe-inspiring event with the launch of Chandrayan-3. With the New Space Policy and entry of private players, the sector is rapidly growing.”
Governor Shekhar Dutt, SM (Retd.), Former Governor of Chhattisgarh, Defence Secretary and Deputy National Security Advisor shed light on the deep collaboration between India and France as well as the unbounded potential of India’s dynamic space sector.
