Bengaluru Space Expo 2016: Indian space sector is opening up

I had the opportunity to attend the 5th Bengaluru Space Expo 2016, a biennial event organised by the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) commercial arm ANTRIX and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The expo brings together space companies to exploit new technology and act as a potential gateway into the global space technology market. The UK Science and Innovation Network (UKSIN) held a workshop on commercialising space sector last year so what’s happened since then?

ISRO is the Indian space agency and much of its work has not opened up too many opportunities for commercial players. But since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign, ISRO is opening up the satellite manufacturing sector. This is because India needs around a dozen satellites a year and if these targets are to be hit then the commercial space sector have to build complete satellites.

This is where the UK can support this effort. Our workshop last year highlighted that there are more than 260 private UK space companies with expertise in designing and building satellites (including ground and service systems), developing major satellite subsystems which includes spacecraft platforms, payloads, propulsion, coolers, precision mechanics, data handling central electronics, data handling, software and detectors. Along with this they also have expertise in full data management services including archiving, processing and delivery of value added information services. The Satellite Applications Catapult in Harwell, within a cluster of high tech companies and research labs working closely together, is testament to what can be achieved.

At the expo I met with several Indian companies who were very keen to work and partner with the UK. The companies had keen interest to collaborate with UK companies with expertise in sensor electronics, low cost launch vehicles, space grade solar panels and space avionics products. Indian companies are looking for joint ventures, R&D collaborations and knowledge transfer opportunities with the UK.

So there is interest from a growing Indian space industry to work with the UK, where space is a key growth sector. We’ll keep you updated on developments and, with our British High Commission colleagues, happy to support companies and researchers in both countries to explore future collaborations.

So keep watching this space…literally!