In an effort to promote international collaborations and scientific research innovation in the space technology sector, the Indian Space Association (ISpA) has partnered with IIT Madras and the US Consulate in Chennai and announced the formation of a working group of associations of various nations called the Association of Space Entrepreneurs in the Indo-Pacific (ASEIP), which will eventually transform into the Association of associations.
ISpA, in collaboration with IIT Madras, has also published a white paper titled ‘Space Upstream and Downstream Opportunities and Challenges for Indo-Pacific Countries,’ which explains the rationale behind International Collaboration, Scientific Research and Development, Space Entrepreneurship, and Business and Space Policy.
The Working Group will consist of one prominent association from India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, with ISpA representing India as a Founding Member. The ASEIP will be responsible for bringing together stakeholders and associations in the space technology industry in order to mentor and support international newcomers to the industry. In addition, it will investigate ways to maximise business opportunities and act as an international lobby for government policy in India, the United States, and Indo Pacific nations.
This decision is the result of months-long, intensive virtual discussions between domain experts from numerous Indo-Pacific nations, which culminated in the Space Technology Conclave hosted by ISpA, IIT Madras, and the U.S. Consulate Chennai, said ISpA.
Participating in the conclave were experts from more than fifteen nations. To sustain the current momentum in shaping up the business prospects and potential of the global space sector, it is proposed that the association establish various committees for Business Promotion, Finance and Membership, Technology Advisory, and their subcommittees to capture the needs of the industry associations and facilitate inclusive discussions on a variety of topics.
Wg. Cdr. Satyam Kushwaha (Retd.), Director of Indian Space Association (ISpA) said, “As we witness the private space revolution across nations, with more and more startups emerging in the space technology sector, this is the appropriate time to bring the network of space startups and other private players, along with their respective government policymakers, face to face with their international counterparts in India, the United States, and the Indo Pacific countries. The formation of ASEIP shall broaden the scope of international space activity, open up a dialogue on the issues faced by the stakeholders, explore collaborative opportunities and models, and synthesise a way forward for all collectively and serve as a cohesive voice for orchestrating international space cooperation.”
