Indian Space Conclave 2024: Global Cooperation Key To Tackling Space Challenges

The Indian Space Conclave 2024 attracted over 1,000 participants from more than 25 countries, including leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and Brazil. Organised by the Indian Space Association (ISpA), the three-day event focused on global cooperation to address pressing space challenges and expand opportunities for space exploration and development.

The event underlined the increasing need for space situational awareness amid the rapid expansion of satellite traffic. Major General Brian W Gibson, representing the United States Space Command, highlighted the potential launch of thousands of new satellites within the next decade. “International cooperation through information sharing is essential for maintaining space safety,” he said, noting the importance of interoperability in tracking and managing satellite traffic. Other global leaders echoed this sentiment as the conclave pushed for stronger partnerships to address growing risks in space.

Key Partnerships and Agreements
During the event, the ISpA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Brahma Research Foundation to advance space technology and innovation in India. This collaboration supports space science, technology, climate research and entrepreneurial development, contributing to India’s expanding role in the space sector. The ISpA also released a report from the Indian DefSpace Symposium, titled Empowering India’s Defense Space Future, outlining strategies to boost India’s defence capabilities in space.

Launch of SPADE Platform by SUHORA
A highlight of the conclave was the launch of SUHORA's new product, SPADE, a subscription-based SaaS platform designed to enhance access to satellite data for critical operations. SPADE’s real-time satellite data will support sectors such as national security, disaster management, and environmental protection, offering advanced analytics to inform decision-making across these areas.

India's Ambitious Space Goals
Indian space leaders outlined ambitious plans for the coming years, with AVM Pawan Kumar of the Defence Space Agency (DSA) announcing projections for a fivefold increase in India’s space economy by 2047. India aims to advance its satellite communication, space situational awareness and navigation capabilities, particularly through its NAVIC constellation set to launch in 2026. Kumar highlighted the importance of advanced technologies, such as neuromorphic sensors, in enhancing surveillance and security capabilities.

S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of VSSC-ISRO, outlined milestones for India’s space exploration. The Gaganyaan mission, India’s first crewed space mission, is set to lay the foundation for a national space station by 2035, with plans for advanced launch vehicles and expanded lunar and planetary exploration.

The Role of Private Sector Collaboration
Lt Gen DS Rana said that the a need for extensive collaboration between India’s public and private sectors to create a self-sustaining space ecosystem. This approach, he noted, is essential for supporting India’s technological ambitions in space, with end-to-end solutions key to competing with leading space-faring nations.