Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Indian Space Association (ISpA) in a virtual launch event. He stated that the government can no longer operate as a handler for the space industry, but instead act as an enabler for this sector. According to him, the government’s initiatives will aid in the private space sector’s innovation. During his speech, he stated that Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) facilities would be made available to the commercial sector.
PM Modi stated that the space sector will benefit India by providing improved forecasts for farmers, fishers, environmental monitoring, and natural disaster forecasting. “Atmanirbhar Bharat is the country’s vision”. PM Modi continued, “it is a well-thought-out, integrated economic strategy.” “These pillars serve as the foundation for our approach to space reform. The first is to give the private sector complete flexibility to innovate. Second, the government will serve as a facilitator. The third goal is to prepare the youth for the future.” PM Narendra Modi says.
ISpA is a private industry organisation dedicated to advancing India’s space technology. OneWeb, Bharti Airtel, Mapmyindia, Walchandnagar Industries, and Ananth Technology Limited are among the founding members of ISpA. ISpA will take part in and collaborate with ISRO and others on policy issues relating to space technology and domain. In India, it would emphasise capacity building as well as space economic centres and incubators. According to PM Modi, the world is transitioning from Information Technology to the Space Age, and India cannot be left behind.