The first edition of India Space Congress was held by SIA-India in Oct 2022. With support from the Department of Space, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Ministry of Defence, Niti Aayog, In-Space, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and the Department of Telecommunication the congress also had wide support from 21 domestic and international trade bodies and associations. The theme for ISC 2022 was 'Leveraging Space to Power Next-Gen Communication & Businesses'. The three-day India Space Congress 2022 witnessed 600 plus delegates, 180 Speakers, 35 thematic sessions from 30 nationalities. The platform opened several key dialogues, discussed disruptive business models, talked about key regulatory challenges and possible learnings from other geographies.





Delegates ranged from Govt Departments, Regulators, Policymakers, Defence Security Forces to Satellite Operators and Service Providers, Broadcasters/DTH Service Providers, Satellite System Integrators and Launch vehicles, Ground and Terminal Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers, Satellite-based IOT/M2M service providers, Law Firms, Deep Tech startups, Incubators, Venture Capital Firms

Geospatial Segments – EO & RS and the user Segments: Agriculture, Aviation & Maritime, O&G, Defence, Railways, Healthcare, Banking and Fintech also had a prominent participation

Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) partnered with SIA-India to have a cohesive roadmap, RIS and SIA-India also have signed an MoU to collaborate and partner in the ongoing space development of the nation.

The India Space Congress Inaugural Session was graced by Shri Om Prakash Sakhlecha, Hon'ble Minister – Science & Technology, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Somanath S, Chairman, Space Commission; Secretary, DoS and Chairman ISRO, Shri. K. Rajaraman, Chairman, DCC & Secretary Telecom, Shri. A. S. Kiran Kumar, Member Space Commission, Former Secretary, Department of Space & Chairman, Dr. Mike Short CBE, Chief Scientific Advisor, Department of International Trade, UK, Mr. Nathan De Ruiter, Managing Director, Euroconsult, Mr. Deepak Mathur, EVP Global Sales Video-SES and Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President, SIA-India & CMD Ananth Technologies Pvt. Ltd

in pic: Shri Om Prakash Sakhlecha, Hon'ble Minister – Science & Technology, Government of Madhya Pradesh felicitating Ms Revathi Mannepalli for being successfully elected as an ITU RRB Member from Region E.


Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics & Information Technology graced the occasion on Day 2 of the ISC 2022. He said 'Satellite is an inherent part of providing internet to all the citizens in the country'

Dr Somanath S speaking at the India Space Congress. He shared his plan to expand NaVIC for civilian use. As of now, NaVIC uses 7 satellites to provide real-time positioning services in India and up to 1,500 km from the borders. Dr Somanath has urged India Inc. to partner with it on the reusable rocket programme. He indicated that the entire design and manufacturing of the reusable rocket would happen in close collaboration with the industry, which will also have to take on the responsibility of operating it commercially.

Shri. K. Rajaraman, Chairman, DCC & Secretary Telecom said Space technologies offer convergence, and the spectrum deployed should be put to better use as space communications can play an important role in fulfilment of national goals including economic inclusion

Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri, Ministry of Defence stated that India Is Set to become a Global Leader in Space Technology: "With the opening of space tech to private players, participation by start-ups and private organisations has brought transformative changes".

Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India stated that the goal is to make Digital Health services like ABHA, IHIP and more available in tribal and village areas with the help of satellite-based backups.

ISRO is building upon the vision of Mr. Vikram Sarabhai and providing disruptive technologies with the vision of growth for Developing nation like India - Shri A.S Kiran Kumar, Member Space Commission, Former Secretary, Department of Space & Chairman, ISRO at India Space Congress

"Our mission is to provide uplinking & downlinking services to our neighbouring countries such as Nepal & Bhutan" - Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of I&B

Dr Mike Short, Chief Scientific Advisor, Department of International Trade, UK stated that cellular and satellite should not be seen as competitors. The stakeholders need to work on cost, content and coverage to boost the internet usage in India.

Mr. Nathan De Ruiter, Managing Director, Euroconsult as part of the power session on Recent investment trends in the commercial space market and how that will impact the immediate and long-term future of the industry.

Day 1 (October 26, 2022) had sessions around space technology and satellite capabilities. From discussing 'India's Space Strategy for Future' to 'Pushing the Boundaries on Satellite Remote Sensing,' each elite panel will threadbare discuss nuances of the Satcom industry.

Sessions on the first day included 'Decoding Space Economy.' 'In-Orbit Technologies,' 'Leveraging Data from Space,' and, 'Demystifying U.S. Export Control Regulations ITAR and EAR for the India Space Sector.'

Day 2 (October 27, 2022) had power-packed sessions on funding, technology, emerging technologies and alliances. 'Space Investment Outlook and Funding for New Ventures' took into cognisance recent investment trends in the commercial space market and how that will impact the immediate and long-term future of the industry. The day witnessed pitches by 5 SpaceTech startups to an elite panel at the session 'Pitch Right for Skyrocketing Start-ups.' Session on 'International Collaboration,' 'A Balanced Approach to Spectrum Allocation,' 'Human Space Flights and Deep Space Opportunities,' 'Satellites in Mobility,' 'Satellites in the 5G Era and Beyond,' and, 'Dialogue on Satellite Role in Disaster Management and Resilient Infrastructures' were concluded on Day 2.

Defence and security took the centre stage on Day 3 (October 28, 2022) as veterans and experts discussed and deliberated on 'Space: The Fourth Frontier of Warfare,' along with sessions like 'Leveraging dual-use capabilities for National Security,' 'Protecting Space Capabilities and Cybersecurity Framework,' 'Navigating the Laws for Space Business in India,' 'Insurance and Liability Coverage for Space Business,' and, 'Spacecraft Design, Production and Mission Success,' among others.

ISC also provided the opportunity for Space entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to the investors including the ones on the fence, whether you're into launch capabilities, Satellite systems that bring unique advantages, building communications or remote sensing satellite constellations, generating insights from space-based data or even working on space sustainability. The participants got the platform to develop relationships with a global network of key decision- makers driving innovation and economic change in SpaceTech, validating their opportunities, and accelerating their businesses.

With iDEX and Microsoft on board, this is just the beginning of a partnership that will reap benefits to the deep tech space start-ups and will work towards fostering, incubating and hand-holding promising start-ups.

Five space tech start-ups [Astrogate, Blue Sky Analytics, Vellon Space, Delta-V Robotics, GeneX] pitched their ideas to industry leaders and investors during the session 'Pitch Right for Skyrocketing Startups' where they participated in a specially curated mentorship programme with senior executives of leading companies.

Microsoft announced partnerships with 15 space start-ups as an extension to its Founders Hub programme. Under the programme, 15 startups can apply for free Azure credits worth up to $150,000.

SIA-India signs MoU with the Taiwan Space Industry Development Association (TSIDA) to establish a cooperation platform and strengthen inter-industry exchanges & links. Mr. Ge Baoxuan (front left), the representative of the Republic of China in India, on behalf of the TSIDA, exchanged a memorandum of cooperation with Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, president of the Satellite Industry Association of India (SIA-India) The event took place at the opening ceremony of the India Space Congress 2022 in the august presence of Shri Om Prakash Sakhlecha, Hon'ble Minister – Science & Technology, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Shri. K. @Rajaraman, Chairman, DCC & Secretary Telecom and Dr. Somanath S, Chairman, Space Commission; Secretary, DoS and Chairman ISRO - Indian Space Research Organization

SIA-India has inked pact an MOU with Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC) during the India Space Congress in the presence of Hon Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics & Information Technology. This will spur sevral collaborations and will lead to the exponential growth in space sector globally in LEO, MEO & GEO space.

Two reports were released during the ISC 2022

"Why do Indian Founders in the Space Industry Start Their Start-Ups Abroad?" by R Sai Shiva Jayanth and Gopalakrishnan Narayanamurhty, Spaceport SARABHAI

"Space for Defence in India" report by PwC and SIA-India.

In the endeavour to promote & inspire young talent and create awareness about the space sector as being a great career option, SIA-India invited original research paper submission students, academicians, research scholars and young entrepreneurs.

The response was overwhelming, and over 36 submissions were received from tech students, academicians, and research scholars. After extensive deliberations by an expert jury panel, 5 original papers were shortlisted for awarding cash prizes.

Students were also given the chance to present their research papers to professionals. The winners advanced to the next stage, where they engaged with the distinguished audience and responded to their inquiries.