The session opened with a discussion on how space enterprises are rapidly shifting from niche applications to becoming an integral part of everyday life. This transformation is driven by three key “systems in space” — Positioning and Navigation, Earth Observation (SATCOM), and SATNAV (Navigation Satellites). A strong emphasis was placed on the sustainable use of space resources. Drawing lessons from hydrocarbon exploitation, the speaker highlighted that unchecked resource use without regulation could undermine long-term viability. The session stressed the importance of sustainable utilization, avoiding short-term gains at the cost of future benefits, and learning from ongoing global environmental crises.
The conversation then moved to the broader context of Space 4.0 and the Indian space economy. Globally, the space sector is valued at around $1.8 trillion, but India’s share is only about $10 billion, despite increasing engagement from the private sector and academia. The challenge lies in India being the seventh-largest country with 18% of the world’s population but relatively limited space infrastructure.
The evolution of the Indian Space Programme was traced from early missions such as Bhaskara-1 (1979) and Aryabhata to the Mars Orbiter Mission and the recent Chandrayaan-3 (2023). India currently operates 56 active spacecraft, including 26 for Earth observation, 18 for communication, 9 for navigation, and 4 for space science. However, compared to neighboring countries, this number remains modest. The Indian Space Programme at a glance includes 102 launch vehicles (PSLV, GSLV, SSLV, and Gaganyaan preparations), 132 satellite missions, and the launch of 435 foreign satellites from 34 countries. The Indian Space Policy 2023 sets the framework for future growth.
Recent missions were highlighted, particularly the NISAR Mission launched on July 30, 2025, which showcases indigenous technology for studying ice dynamics and ecosystems. Satellite data is stored in the ISRO-EO Data Hub and made publicly available through the Bhoonidhi Portal. Other important resources, such as the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) from NRSC, ISRO, and CartoSat-1 were discussed.
The session also covered space technology for sustainable ecosystem development, highlighting its role in agriculture (drought assessment, residue mapping, horticulture management, crop yield estimation), water resources (surface water availability monitoring), and cryosphere monitoring (snowmelt runoff tracking, glacier lake inventories, early warning systems, and groundwater assessment). One key area where space technology is making a difference is energy security. Space-based data enables 48-hour forecasts for solar insolation and wind speed, supports geo-spatial mapping of renewable energy potential, and facilitates hybrid renewable energy approaches. ISRO’s contributions also include night light data for economic activity monitoring, disaster management for extreme weather events, ocean and weather forecasting, and navigation support through the NAVIC system.
Looking ahead, the session outlined promising future trends and opportunities in the space sector. These include advancements in Advanced Remote Sensing and Imaging, such as very high-resolution satellites, UAV remote sensing, hyperspectral imaging etc.. A strong emphasis was placed on the integration of space technology with digital platforms, encompassing High Throughput Communication Satellites (HTS) among others. Significant reforms in India's space sector are aimed at encouraging greater private sector and youth participation, fostering new startups, and expanding global business opportunities beyond India into regional and global markets
In conclusion, the speaker urged the need to make space technology both ubiquitous and accessible, with a focus on solving real-world challenges in sustainability, disaster management, and economic growth. India must match global advancements through public-private partnerships, fostering start-ups, and engaging youth in space innovation.
The session ended with an interactive discussion, where participants explored topics such as drone technology, satellite development, space innovations in other countries, and strategies for India to leapfrog in the global space race.