India Celebrates First National Space Day

The potential of India’s power in capturing space industry was successfully marked when India became the first country to touch down near the lunar south pole, at 69°S, the southernmost lunar landing on 23 August 2023 at 18:03 IST. 

Currently, India has nearly 300 startups in spacetech. The year 2021 witnessed a 196 per cent year-on-year increase, with 47 new spacetech startups alone in India. Private participation in the space economy has the potential to bridge the digital divide and stay ahead in this race. 

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have taken a significant step towards advancing space education in India. Marking the first anniversary of National Space Day on 23 August 2024, AICTE, in collaboration with ISRO, the Indian Space Association (ISpA), and IN-SPACe, organised a one-day programme titled 'Creating a Space Ecosystem'.

While launching the book and Model Curriculum, ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath highlighted the importance of space technology. He said, “By equipping our students with the necessary knowledge and skills, we are paving the way for our nation to further establish itself as a global leader in space technology. This Model Space Curriculum will be crucial in producing the next generation of space scientists, engineers and leaders who will carry forward ISRO’s legacy of excellence.” He also congratulated everyone on the first anniversary of Chandrayaan-3’s successful lunar landing.”

The global space economy is currently valued at about USD 360 billion, and India accounts for only about 2 per cent of the space economy. According to the NSSO data, only 24 per cent of rural Indian households have access to the Internet, compared to a 66 per cent penetration in cities. The Indian National Space Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACEe) aims to raise this to 8 per cent by 2033 and 15 per cent by 2047, India's 100th year of independence. 

Space-based communication can be a game-changing step to connect the unconnected, resulting in narrowing the digital divide in India. Indian space policy 2023 is one such positive step in this light taken by the government to encourage and develop India’s commercial presence in space. The Indian Space Policy 2023 outlines the government's goal to allow private firms to handle all aspects of space exploration, including satellite and rocket launches and Earth station operations. The Gangayaan project, on its mission to demonstrate human spaceflight of three members for three days and bring them safely to the earth, is expected to launch in 2025. 

Lt Gen AK Bhatt, Director, General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), highlighted that the synergy between government initiatives and private enterprises will be the key driver of innovation and growth in this sector. “We need increased collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions to foster innovation and accelerate technological development. Investment in STEM education is crucial to nurturing the next generation of space scientists and engineers,"  he added.

Musharrat Shahin

BW Reporters The author is working as correspondent with BW CIO