Bangalore Space Expo (BSX-2024)

By R Anil Kumar

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visionary leadership has made India Emerge as a dominant global force in Space Exploration and innovation: Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka.

• The global space economy is projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2040, and India is well positioned to make a significant contribution as it grows to $44 billion over the next decade from its current size of $8.4 billion: Chairman IN-SPACe.

Bangalore, September 18. India is today well on its way to emerge as a dominant global force in space exploration and innovation. “Our nation’s space economy is flourishing, thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and collaborative spirit that has fuelled the remarkable progress over the last few years”, said Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe).

A new era of space exploration and commercialization begins with India standing on the cusp of unprecedented growth in the sector, he said.

The global space economy is projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2040, and India is well positioned to make a significant contribution as it grows to $44 billion over the next decade from its current size of $8.4 billion, Goenka stated.

This remarkable progress will be driven by technological advancements, forward-thinking policies, and a strategic vision that has empowered both public and private entities to collaborate and innovate.

The Government of India’s supportive policies, such as the space reforms initiated in 2020, have paved the way for private sector participation in space activities. These reforms have unlocked immense potential by removing barriers to entry and providing clear regulatory frameworks. Driving change in the space sector is the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe).

Delivering his address at the 8^th Edition of Bangalore Space Expo (BSX-2024) held at Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), here, Goenka said that IN-SPACe is pleased to play a role in this transformation, nurturing and mentoring a thriving ecosystem where private enterprises, start-ups, and academic institutions collaborate to drive ground-breaking advances in the space sector.

The Indian space-tech sector is evolving rapidly. Breakthroughs in propulsion systems, satellite manufacturing, and launch vehicle development are driving significant developments.

A new generation of companies is pushing the boundaries of innovation in areas such as electric propulsion, semicryogenic engines, and satellite deployment technologies. These are not only elevating India’s standing in space exploration but are also directly contributing to vital national space missions, supported by world-class manufacturing infrastructure and testing facilities, Goenka informed.

IN-SPACe is committed to fostering entrepreneurship, guiding start-ups from concept to commercialization, and championing cutting-edge innovation, he said.

This unwavering support, coupled with emphasis on international collaboration and partnerships, lays the foundation for India’s leadership role in the global space arena, Goenka said and added that the future is full of promise, and together, we will continue to explore new horizons as we harness the vast potential of space for the betterment of all humankind, Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka state.

Speaking on the Occasion Mr. Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director New Space India Limited (NSIL), a Government of India (GoI) company under Department of Space (DoS) and the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said NSIL has been spearheading the ambitious project of National Rollout of Vessel Communication and Support System for 1 lakh marine fishing vessels as part of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Scheme – a project of Department of Fisheries (DoF). NSIL is the implementing agency for the national rollout of this project, he stated.

National rollout of Vessel Communication and Support System, which aims to install nearly 1 lakh MSS Terminals (Xponders) on mechanized and motorized fishing vessels in a phased manner, has been progressing successfully.

This initiative focuses on establishing a dedicated Mobile-Satellite Services (MSS) network for Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) of nearly 1 Lakh fishing vessels across 9 coastal states and 4 Union Territories of India, Radhakrishnan Durairaj, added.

MSS technology developed indigenously by Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO has been effectively put into use by providing space-based solutions to the fishermen by NSIL.

These MSS terminals are equipped with built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth transceivers, enabling communication with mobile phones through an accompanying app. This app, designed to support local languages, offers features such as predefined SOS alerts, weather updates, potential fishing zone information, harbour details, and drop-pin functionality, the NSIL CMD informed.

The user network management system provides centralized monitoring capabilities, including boat tracking, messaging, report generation, trip declaration, and boat survey and license management.

This initiative aims to enhance the safety and security of fishermen, particularly along maritime borders, while also addressing national security concerns related to threats at sea. By facilitating two-way communication at sea, the project ensures fishermen safety and aids rescue operations, further contributing to the “blue economy.” NSIL has shortlisted and engaged 3 Indian private companies viz. M/s Saankhya Labs Pvt Ltd, M/s Avantel Ltd, and M/s Accord Software & Systems Pvt Ltd for supply and installation of Xponders.

Honourable Prime Minister of India had officially launched the national rollout of the Vessel Communication and Support System in Maharashtra on August 30, 2024.

As on date, nearly 400 plus Xponders have been successfully installed across various states and the remaining are proposed to be installed in the coming months. The project also includes establishment of a ground station with hub baseband systems, control and monitoring stations, and the organization of satellite bandwidth to operate the Pan India satcom network.

The space segment capacity requirements for this project are currently being met by GSAT-6 satellite. Consequent to the end of service of GSAT-6, the follow-on satellite GSAT-N3 (NSIL’s 3rd demand driven communication satellite),would provide continuity of services to the vessel communication and support system, Durairaj said.

Karnataka Minister for Science and Technology, IT, BT, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge was present during the Inaugural session of the 8^th Edition of Bangalore Space Expo (BSX-2024),a biennial event organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in association with ISRO, IN-SPACe and NSIL.

The eighth edition of the Bangalore Space Expo 2024 and International Conference and Exhibition is scheduled from September 18 to 20 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), here.

The three-day event includes an exhibition and an international conference themed around ‘Accelerating tomorrow: harnessing the potential of space sector for unified expansion’.

ISRO has said the event would serve as an ideal platform for Indian and international space agencies and companies to interact and explore newer business opportunities, showcase their strengths in the space arena, and explore partnership opportunities for the future.

The event will also highlight the initiatives undertaken by the Indian government to encourage and engage Indian industries in the space sector, as well as foster collaboration with international space agencies.

More than 250 space companies, 10,000 business visitors, and 250 delegates are participating in the event which also features pavilions from 10 countries.