Mumbai, 27th January 2023: In an effort to promote international collaborations and scientific research innovation in the space technology sector, Indian Space Association (ISpA) has partnered with IIT Madras and US Consulate General Chennai and announced the formation of a working group of associations of various nations called Association of Space Entrepreneurs in the Indo Pacific (ASEIP) which will later transcend to Association of associations. To build on to this momentum, ISpA in collaboration with IIT Madras has also released a White paper on ‘Space Upstream and Downstream Opportunities and Challenges for Indo-Pacific countries’ which helps to understand the underlying rationale behind International Collaboration, Scientific Research and Development, Space Entrepreneurship and Business and Space Policy. 

The Working Group will include one leading association from India, the U.S., Japan and Australia where ISpA would be the Founding Member representing India. The ASEIP will be responsible to bring together stakeholders and associations in the space technology sector to mentor and support emerging entrants to the industry internationally. It will also explore ways to optimize business opportunities and serve as an international lobby for government policy in India, the United States and Indo Pacific countries.

This strategic decision comes as the outcome of the intensive virtual discussions between domain experts from many Indo-Pacific countries, spread over many months, finally culminating into the Space Technology Conclave organized by ISpA, IIT Madras, and the U.S. Consulate General Chennai. During the conclave, experts from more than 15 nations had participated. To sustain the ongoing momentum to shape up the business prospects and potential of the space sector around the world, the association is proposed to set up various committees for Business Promotion, Finance and Membership, Technology Advisory and their sub committees to capture the requirements of the industry associations and facilitate focused discussions on various topics in an inclusive manner.

On the occasion, 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 synthesize a way forward for all collectively and serve as a cohesive voice for orchestrating international space cooperation.”

About Indian Space Association

The Indian Space Association (ISpA) is a premier industry association of space companies, launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narender Modi. While performing an all-encompassing role for the entire Space Domain, ISpA has undertaken policy advocacy and engages with all the stakeholders in the Indian space domain, including the Government and its agencies, to make India self-reliant, technologically advanced and a global leader in the space arena. It aims to play the role of advocator and facilitator to support the participation, growth, and capacity building of private as well as public industry. It will participate in formulating effective; efficient and appropriate policies; and regulatory frameworks.