Scope increasing for satellite startups in India: S Somanath

Thiruvananthapuram: Mr. S Somanath, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) Thiruvananthapuram, said here on Saturday that there is increasing demand and scope for satellite startups and the export potential is on the higher side for satellites in India.

Speaking on the “The Indian Space Enterprise Achievements & New Directions”, Mr.Somanath, who was the chief guest at the Research Day 2021 ceremony organized at SRM University, Andhra Pradesh, interpreted the complexities of Space Engineering by describing details pertaining to space infrastructure, and technology elements in rocket production involving the development of space vehicles capable of operating for years unattended in the space.

He said “The high cost and low volume production remains the challenge associated with space engineering. There is increasing demand and scope for satellite startups and the export potential is on the higher side for satellites in India”.

Dr. Somanath proceeded to illuminate the audience on the changing horizons of the space industry, contributed by emerging technologies such as integrating satellites, drones, and terrestrial imagery.

In addition, he addressed the disruptive technologies that led to reusable rockets, space technology-driven drones, etc, enhancing the market substantially for satellite production and reducing the market for the launching vehicles.

Consequently, Dr. Somanath accentuated that the government bodies such as ISRO, IN-SPACE, and NSIL should remodel their direction of operation. He suggests, “Government of India should be opening the space sector and assisting the new participants by sharing technological expertise. Startups and government bodies must be complementing one another to steer this industry towards excellence.”

Applauding the initiative, Dr. Sathyanarayanan, President, SRM AP, said “Research Day is when SRM University, AP facilitates the faculty and students for their outstanding research contributions.

Prof V S Rao, Vice-Chancellor, SRM AP highlighted, “Research day brings an excellent opportunity for the scientific community to showcase their accomplishments and impactful research works.” Prof D Narayana Rao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, SRM AP said “Science and Technology is the driving force for the economic development of India.