The highly anticipated India Space Congress 2023 commenced with an exhilarating inaugural session held at Hyatt Regency New Delhi. The event brought together renowned industry leaders, esteemed dignitaries, and experts from the space sector to engage in insightful discussions and shape the future of space technology.
The day began with a captivating Welcome Address by Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, CMD Ananth Technologies and President of SIA-India. Dr. Rao set the tone for the congress, emphasizing the significance of collaboration and innovation in driving the space industry forward. “ISC 2023, the Space Congress, brings together all key stakeholders in a dynamic and immersive environment. With 500 plus delegates, 170 eminent speakers and over 50 sessions, this unparalleled platform fosters knowledge exchange, breakthrough collaborations, and groundbreaking advancements. Through multiple tracks and themes, ISC 2023 propels meaningful discussions and the exploration of innovative solutions, making it a pivotal event for the space industry.”
The Inaugural Address by the esteemed Chief Guest, Shri Bandaru Dattatraya, His Excellency Governor of Haryana, added further gravitas to the event. His address emphasized the role of space technology in driving innovation, collaboration, and socio-economic growth in the state of Haryana. Satellite technology has transformed agriculture and water resource management in Haryana, an agrarian state. By utilizing satellite imagery and remote sensing data, crop planning, resource allocation, and disease detection have improved, leading to increased crop yield and enhanced productivity.
Governor Dattatraya highlighted the significance of raising awareness about the benefits of space technology applications and data. He stressed the need to foster partnerships among industry, academia, and government agencies to drive the growth of the space sector. The Governor acknowledged the India Space Congress as a platform for facilitating such collaborations and urged all stakeholders to seize the opportunities offered by the Indian space industry.
Shri S Somanath, Secretary DOS and Chairman, ISRO stated “We proudly stand among the nations with immense potential for further expansion. Our relentless pursuit of growth, innovation, and collaboration positions us on the list of frontrunners, ready to embrace new horizons and shape a future filled with endless possibilities.”
“The announcement of an Indian astronaut’s journey to the International Space Station in 2024, as proclaimed by President Biden, marks a remarkable milestone in the pursuit of space exploration. As Mr. Alex Macdonald, Chief Economist at NASA, aptly puts it, ‘This mission symbolizes the strength of international collaboration and the boundless potential of human curiosity. By fostering partnerships and embracing diversity, we propel humanity’s reach to new frontiers, uniting nations in the pursuit of scientific knowledge and inspiration.'”
“Satellite broadband is not only evolving to meet the diverse requirements of consumers and enterprises but also holds the key to bridging the last mile connectivity gap. As Ms. Gunjan Dave, Member (Technology) DCC, DOT, highlights, ‘The Government of India’s mission of “connectivity for all” resonates strongly with our commitment to empower every citizen with seamless access to the digital world.’ With the Department of Telecommunications taking proactive measures to enhance the ease of doing business, we are laying the foundation for a digitally inclusive India, where connectivity knows no boundaries.”
Mr. Nathan de Ruiter, Managing Director of Euroconsult, took the stage for the Keynote Address, presenting valuable insights on the top drivers and speed breakers of the Space Economy. “Unlocking the power of connectivity, Mr. Nathan, envisions that ‘Connecting the unconnected’ represents the grandest horizon of opportunity for satellite services. By bridging the digital divide, we can ignite the transformation of societies, empower untapped potential, and build a future where every corner of the globe thrives through seamless connectivity.”
The day concluded with a Closing Plenary featuring a Keynote Address by Mr. Shmuel Akler, Director of Communication Satellites at MBT Space Division, Israel Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (IAI). Mr. Akler provided valuable insights on Mini GEO Communication Satellites, paving the way for further advancements in the field.
Shri Anil Prakash, Director General of SIA-India, concluded the day with a Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, speakers, sponsors, and supporters for their valuable contributions to the congress.
