PM Narendra Modi launched the Indian Space Association (ISpA) at a virtual event. He interacted with representatives of the space industry on the occasion. A Prime Minister’s Office release has described ISpA as the premier industry association of space and satellite companies, which aspires to be the collective voice of the Indian space industry. ISpA would be undertaking policy advocacy and engage with all stakeholders in the Indian space domain, including the government and its agencies.
ISpA echoes the Prime Minister’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. “It will help in making India self-reliant, technologically advanced, and also make the country a leading player in the space arena,” informed a press release from PM’s office. ISpA is being represented by leading homegrown and global corporations with advanced capabilities in space and satellite technologies. Larson & Toubro, Nelco (Tata Group), OneWeb, Bharti Airtel, Mapmyindia, Walchandnagar Industries, and Ananth Technology Limited are its founding members. Other core members are Godrej, Hughes India, Azista-BST Aerospace Private Limited, BEL, Centum Electronics, and Maxar India. Mr. Jayant Patil, Director, Defence & Smart Technologies, is the first Chairman of ISpA. Mr. Rahul Vatts, Chief Regulatory Officer Bharti Airtel and Director – OneWeb India is its first Vice Chairman. Lt Gen. A.K. Bhatt (Retd) is the first Director General of the Association.
