Viasat Space for Good 2026
 

India: Returning to a global tech hub

Also, following a successful debut, the Viasat: Space for Good Challenge returns to India to tap into the country’s world-class engineering talent.

• Applications open: June 8, 2026  

• Grand finals: October 27, 2026 – New Delhi, India  

Gautam Sharma, Managing Director, Viasat India said, "Bringing 'Viasat: Space for Good' back to India for a second year reflects our deep commitment to this dynamic technology landscape. The innovation we witnessed from students last year was truly exceptional, and we look forward to seeing how this year’s participants build on our mission of digital inclusion to develop meaningful, sustainable space-solutions for India and the world."  

The Viasat: Space for Good challenge empowers the next generation of innovators to think critically about space sustainability—from orbital debris mitigation to leveraging satellite connectivity for social and environmental impact. Participants move through a rigorous three-stage process: concept articulation, digital refinement, and a final pitch to a panel of industry experts who evaluate technical feasibility, design, and policy implications.  

As Viasat continues to build on and strengthen its commitments globally, the 2026 program places a spotlight on the Asia-Pacific region, fostering local talent to solve both regional and global challenges.  

Empowering the next generation  

While the program’s immediate focus is on upcoming events in India and Australia, it is slated to include the United States and the United Kingdom & Ireland in 2027. Across all regions, winning students will receive monetary prizes and mentorship from Viasat’s global experts, furthering their education and potential contributions to the field of space technology.  

Rebecca Grattan, Chief People and Culture Officer, Viasat said, "Space technology touches nearly every aspect of our daily lives—from how we travel, communicate, and ensure safety. By expanding the challenge to Australia and returning to India, we are reinforcing our commitment to developing talent and advancing solutions that deliver meaningful, space-based impact on a global scale, across land, in the air, or at sea."  

How to participate  

Visit viasat.com/VSFG to learn more about the program and get involved. 

From left: Brig Manjit Singh Rana, Dr Theo Hengstermann, Mr Neset Tükenmez, Mr Pavan G Ranga, and Mrs V Anuradha at the signing of the pollution monitoring partnership

The initiative brings together Optimare India’s domain expertise in pollution detection and Rangsons Aerospace’s strengths in mission-critical integration, avionics, and embedded systems. Under this partnership, Rangsons will serve as the production hub, ensuring scalability, lifecycle support, and strong alignment with the Government of India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

The Pollution Monitoring/Surveillance Systems can be deployed across naval aircraft, UAVs, and maritime platforms, equipped with advanced payloads capable of detecting oil spills, chemical discharges, and hazardous pollutants with real-time data relay. This dual-use technology enhances national defence preparedness while safeguarding India’s maritime environment.

Pavan Ranga, Managing Director, Rangsons Aerospace, said, “This collaboration marks a proud moment for Rangsons Aerospace as we work on a mission of national importance. By combining Optimare’s globally respected pollution detection expertise with our integration and indigenous manufacturing capabilities, we are creating a world-class solution tailored for India. This is more than a technology partnership—it is about strengthening self-reliance, protecting our environment, and building long-term capacity for the country’s defence ecosystem.”

Brig MS Rana, Optimare India, added, “Our partnership with Rangsons marks the beginning of a long-term technology and industrial collaboration, establishing a sustainable, home-grown pollution monitoring capability for the Indian Government’s maritime guarding agencies .”

This initiative not only strengthens India’s self-reliance in critical defence technologies but also supports environmental safeguarding through advanced surveillance systems.

About Rangsons Aerospace
Rangsons Aerospace is part of NR Group, a 75-year-old diversified business group based in Mysore. Rangsons Aerospace is one of India’s leading Product Technology Solutions companies. It has three world class facilities across Bangalore and Mysore. Its product lines include Satellite Communications systems, Airborne Thermal management and Fluid distribution solutions. Rangsons is a Tier 1 partner to global aerospace majors such as Boeing, GE, Honeywell among others. It also supplies several critical systems to Indian majors such as ISRO, Indian Navy, HAL and others. Rangsons Aerospace is dedicated to leveraging technology to develop innovative solutions that will help in achieving our India’s goal of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

About OPTIMARE
OPTIMARE was founded in 1992 as OPTIMARE GmbH. The primary goal of the company was to equip aircraft with sensor systems for remote sensing of marine pollution. Shortly after, the company has strongly expanded its activities and has transferred its expertise also to new applications, as for example underwater systems and polar survey aircraft. Optimare offer customised complete solutions for airborne surveillance and reconnaissance. Our specially developed mission systems and remote sensing sensors play a crucial role for real-time situational awarness. Mission equipment from OPTIMARE has been used on numerous types of airborne platforms worldwide, e.g., Dornier 228, Airbus DS CN235, Airbus DS C295, Saab 340, Basler BT-67, Bo-105, BN Islander, EMB-110, LET-410 and others. Since its inception OPTIMARE has been engaged in various airborne projects worldwide.

The initiative has received more than 9,000 applications globally and is ready for the first-ever Viasat Space for Good Challenge in India. The Challenge in India sparked a notable increase in interest, resulting in the selection of eight exceptional finalists from within the country after Phases 1 and 2.

The India finalists bring a remarkable diversity of innovative ideas and personal stories, reflecting the depth of talent and creativity in the country’s STEM community. Their groundbreaking ideas include orbital manufacturing hubs, sustainable asteroid resource mining, electromagnetic satellite propulsion, intelligent space debris tracking, plasma-based communication systems, and emergency satellite-based SOS networks.

Gautam Sharma, Managing Director of India at Viasat said, “India is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s top space nations, with a thriving ecosystem of innovators, researchers and private startups driving its momentum. For Viasat, India is a key region, not only because of its growing role in global space technology, but also because of the unmatched talent and creativity of its young people. We see a lot of interest in space among the public and in schools. Through the Viasat: Space for Good Challenge, we are committed to empowering next generation of STEM leaders across the globe with mentorship, resources and opportunities to showcase solutions that can impact the future of sustainable space technology, both for India and the world.”

These ideas not only address critical challenges in sustainable space technology but also highlight the passion and dedication of the students, coming from prestigious institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, SASTRA, Nirma University, and Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology.

Following the success of the 2024 Space for Good event, this year’s challenge encompasses three distinct tracks across the United States, United Kingdom, and India, with a focus on the development of sustainable space technology to enhance life on Earth. The challenge is designed to educate, inspire and empower the next generation of innovators to think critically about space sustainability and its impact on our planet.

The challenge consists of three stages: in phase one, students begin by articulating their initial concept, in phase two, they refine it with a digital entry and ultimately delivering a 30-minute pitch to industry leaders who will evaluate the top concept using a rubric that takes into account technical, design and policy aspects, as well as the feasibility of implementation. As a part of phase 3 (the finals), each finalist has been paired with a Viasat employee in India to mentor them leading up to the finals. The employee will continue to mentor finalists up to six months following the event. Winners of the final round will receive university scholarships, furthering their education and potential contributions to the field of space technology.

Kapsch TrafficCom is proud to announce that the Bulgarian "Nationwide Tolling & E-Vignette System" was awarded the prestigious Road Finance Excellence Award by the International Road Federation (IRF).

This recognition underscores the innovative design, exceptional implementation, and the positive impact of the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)-based tolling system on the country's transportation infrastructure. The award ceremony took place on September 26, 2024, during the IRF Europe & Central Asia Congress Gala Dinner in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Georg Kapsch, CEO of Kapsch TrafficCom, explains, "The award highlights the capabilities of our GNSS technology to cover thousands of kilometers of road. We are bringing together our extensive global experience with the local market expertise of our partners. This allows us to deploy our solution in a way that fits local needs while delivering a flexible, scalable, future-proof and sustainable system for financing infrastructure while at the same time reducing CO₂ emissions by optimizing traffic flow."

The Bulgarian Nationwide Tolling System
Launched in 2019 in partnership with Bulgaria's Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA), this project transitioned the country's tolling system from time-based vignettes to a distance-based model for heavy goods vehicles (HGV) using cutting-edge satellite tolling technology. The system covers over 16,000 kilometers of roads, managing electronic tolls for trucks and e-vignettes for passenger vehicles. By 2020, GNSS tolling for all HGVs was introduced, generating a 10% revenue increase from e-vignettes and additional gains from enhanced enforcement measures.

Kapsch worked closely with the RIA and consulting teams, coordinating seven specialized working groups for road infrastructure, data centers, tolling, enforcement, and payment systems. Over 500 authority staff were trained, and the project's scope includes 24/7 technical support and maintenance. The system also integrates various sales channels, including web platforms, mobile apps, and self-service terminals.

The International Road Federation (IRF) is a global, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting safe, sustainable, and efficient road networks worldwide. The recognition by the IRF marks another milestone in the successful deployment of tolling systems by Kapsch TrafficCom around the globe.

Biggen Aerospace, a subsidiary of Biggen Technologies, showcases its UAV at the Tarang Shakti 2024 exhibition at Sulur Air Force Base, Coimbatore

Tarang Shakti 2024: A Showcase of Military Excellence

Tarang Shakti 2024, an international defense and aviation exhibition, featured an extensive array of military equipment, spare parts, and aviation technology. With 62 halls set up by both public sector and private companies, the event highlighted advancements in aircraft, unmanned air systems, long-range glide bombs, and other critical defense technologies. 

Biggen Aerospace: A Major Player in High altitude and Heavy Weight logistics UAVs

Biggen Aerospace, headquartered in Bangalore and branch office at Coimbatore, stood out at the exhibition for its pioneering work in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The company, through its subsidiary Biggen Aerospace, has been at the forefront of developing UAVs designed to revolutionize disaster response, logistics, and military operations. During Tarang Shakti 2024, Biggen Aerospace showcased two of its latest helicopter UAV models, capable of carrying payloads of 7kg and 12kg, with a range of 85 kilometers and speeds between 75 and 100 km/h, even at high altitudes.

These UAVs have been engineered to perform critical tasks such as combating forest fires by carrying fire retardants or water, delivering essential supplies to areas affected by landslides, and supporting search and rescue operations in challenging terrains. The UAVs' robust design and operational capabilities attracted significant attention from international delegates, including those from France, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Adarsh, Director of Biggen Technologies, highlighted the strategic importance of these UAVs in emergency and wartime scenarios, stating, "Our UAV helicopters have been meticulously designed to assist in various fields, including defense, army operations, and medicine. Their ability to operate effectively in high-altitude environments makes them indispensable for modern military and emergency response missions."

Biggen Technologies is also working on a groundbreaking helicopter UAV capable of lifting a 100kg payload. This advanced UAV is expected to play a pivotal role in disaster response, enabling the swift delivery of critical supplies such as medicine and food to areas impacted by natural disasters. The company is actively seeking investments and partnerships with institutional investors to further expand its footprint in defense logistics, commercial sectors, and automation.

Collaborating for Innovation

Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Biggen Technologies invites students and innovators specializing in drone and UAV development to join their mission. The company is eager to partner with those who share their vision of advancing UAV technology and making a meaningful impact in disaster response.

"We are honored to have participated in this prestigious international expo alongside the Indian Air Force," said Adarsh. "Our commitment to innovation drives us to continue developing solutions that address the complex challenges of today and tomorrow."

Expanding Horizons: Biggen Technologies' Future Plans

In addition to its achievements in UAV development, Biggen Technologies is expanding its portfolio with the introduction of ATOMS "Automation & Sound", a new brand dedicated to delivering innovative automation and audio solutions. ATOMS will offer cutting-edge products and services tailored for both commercial and residential applications, with an exclusive range of international speaker brands. An experience center to showcase these innovations is set to open soon in Bangalore, marking a new chapter in the company's growth.

For further inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact Biggen Technologies at business@biggentech.com or visit their website at www.biggentech.com. 

School students engaging with interactive models and exploring the journey of ISRO at the exhibition, gaining insights through various learning modules

The exhibition, which celebrates the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon’s South Pole, featured a range of captivating displays—from water rocket experiments and interactive models to immersive sessions on the history and latest projects of ISRO. Students were deeply inspired and left with a renewed sense of wonder and aspiration for their future careers.
 

Shri Nilesh M. Desai, Distinguished Scientist and Director of the Space Applications Centre (SAC/ISRO) in Ahmedabad, was the Chief Guest for the event. During his address to the students, he explained and provided great insights into Satellite Communication (SatCom) and planetary exploration. Shri Desai shared his extensive expertise with students in the design and development of ISRO’s advanced microwave remote sensing payloads, such as RISAT-1 C-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Oceansat-2, Scatsat-1 Scatterometers, and the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter SAR. He also discussed the Remote Sensing and Earth Observation Programmes with students. His contributions span across multiple ambitious Indian space programs, notably in the development of microwave radar satellites, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), Quantum Key Distribution, and spearheading the third Indian lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-3 His lecture delivered a great understanding of India’s progress in space technology and exploration to the students.
 

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, expressed his enthusiasm, “The remarkable turnout of students at the exhibition highlights its success in igniting curiosity and passion for space science. This collaboration with ISRO has created an exceptional platform for inspiring young minds and fostering a deeper interest in the possibilities of space exploration.”
 

Mr. Paresh Sarvaiya, Senior Scientist at SAC-ISRO, stated, “This exhibition aims to bring space science to life for students, making it both accessible and engaging. By sparking their interest in space exploration, we hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.”
 

Galgotias University remains committed to fostering educational excellence and inspiring the next generation through innovative and impactful events.
 

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University, sponsored by Smt. Shakuntala Educational and Welfare Society and situated in Uttar Pradesh, is a prominent institution dedicated to academic excellence. With NAAC A+ accreditation in its first cycle, the university offers a wide array of over 200 programs across 20 schools spanning Polytechnic, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and PhD courses. Consistently ranked among India's top universities, Galgotias University is recognized for its innovative approach, achieving "Excellent" status in the ARIIA Ranking 2021. Since 2020, Galgotias University has received the highest 4-star rating from the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell (MIC) for promoting innovation and start-ups on campus. The university is proud to be one of the 16 Governing Members of the IIC Consortium Uttar Pradesh and was selected as a Mentor Institute with funding support by the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell in 2023.

Manav Rachna University (MRU) becomes the First University in Delhi NCR to install a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver at Manav Rachna Campus in collaboration with the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL)-Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

The Distinguished Team behind the Milestone Deployment of GNSS at MRU

A distinguished team of NARL-ISRO scientists including Dr. Nirvikar Dashora, Scientist/Engineer-SF, Head of the Ionosphere and Space Physics Group at NARL, Gadanki, AP, Department of Space, GoI, and Mr. Himanshu S. Sethi, Scientist/Engineer-SE facilitated the event. It is one of the initiatives under cooperative research programs of NARL with national institutes and universities, employing GNSS receiver networks. They oversaw the installation of a comprehensive GNSS infrastructure, featuring a GNSS receiver, antenna, 30M RF cable, laptop, and iron mast at the Manav Rachna Campus.

The installation of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver at MRU is part of the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) North-South chain of receivers in collaboration with the ISRO Lab. It encompasses critical studies on weather, climate, space weather, and planetary ionospheres through GNSS receiver networks.

Scientists from NARL ISRO also delivered a talk on GNSS receivers aiming to encourage the faculty to perform multidisciplinary research in the domain of atmospheric and space research.

The installation of the GNSS receiver at MRU brings several key benefits. It enables multi-parametric data collection across various atmospheric and space parameters, significantly enhancing research capabilities in atmospheric sciences and related fields. Being a part of the NARL North-South chain of receivers, MRU will be integrated into a broader network of research institutions, fostering collaborative opportunities on both national and global scales. This initiative will also substantially benefit student projects and learning opportunities, particularly for those in the Sciences, Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), and Computer Science Engineering (CSE) departments. Students will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and real-time data analysis. Furthermore, hosting a GNSS receiver as part of a prestigious national network elevates the university's standing within both the Indian and global academic communities.

Prof. (Dr.) Deependra Kumar Jha, VC of MRU, proudly stated, “The installation of a GNSS receiver in collaboration with NARL and ISRO is a landmark achievement. This, along with our newly established space research laboratory, underscores our commitment to pioneering advancements in atmospheric and space research.”

This event with NARL & ISRO has been coordinated by Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Sharma with the help of Dr. Ananna Bardhan, Dr. Anshuman Shai & Dr. Deepti Maikhuri

"This is a monumental milestone for the School of Sciences at Manav Rachna University," said Prof. (Dr.) Meena Kapahi, Dean of the School of Sciences at MRU. "This state-of-the-art facility enhances our research capabilities in atmospheric and space sciences, offering our students unparalleled opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technology."

Also present during the occasion were Prof. (Dr.) Meena Kapahi, Dean School of Sciences; Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Head, School of Sciences; Dr. Ananna Bardhan and Dr. Anshuman Sahai; along with faculty members from various disciplines including sciences and engineering.

Aerodef Hyderabad Edition being inaugurated by Dr V K Saraswat, Member Niti Aayog and Former Director General DRDO

Building upon the resounding success of its previous editions held in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, AeroDef India 2024 promises to be a pivotal event for the Indian aerospace and defence manufacturing sector. With a focus on facilitating collaboration and growth, the exhibition aims to assist Indian Defence Equipment Manufacturers in sourcing components, input materials, assemblies, and sub-assemblies from the burgeoning defence MSME sector in India. 

"AeroDef India 2024 provides a unique platform for both Indian and international aerospace and defence equipment manufacturers to procure raw materials, components, sub-assemblies, and finished products," said Dr. Sukhjinder Singh, Founder & President of the Sustainable Development Leaders Council. This event also offers MSMEs the opportunity to showcase their capabilities, skills, and manufacturing expertise to OEMs, strategic partners, and PSUs. 

The previous three editions of AeroDef India brought together over 120 MSMEs eager to supply to Defence Manufacturing units, including PSUs, OFBs, Indian and international private manufacturers. This year's event expects an even more robust turnout, with a diverse visitor profile comprising Procurement, Supply Chain, Materials, Production, and Subcontracting heads from DPSUs like HAL, BEML, and DRDO, as well as Indian private players such as Tata Advanced, Aditya Birla Group, Kalyani Group, Godrej, L&T, Reliance, and international majors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The exhibiting profile of AeroDef India 2024 encompasses a wide range of specialties, including but not limited to Speciality Materials, Composites, Alloy Sensors, Controls, Instrumentation, Automation & Robotics, Design Engineering & IT Solutions, Electronics Components, Semiconductors & Deep Electronics Solutions, Maintenance Repair & Overhaul (MRO)Testing, Simulation, Prototyping, Engineering & Processing, Casting, Forging, Sheet Metal, Forming, Component Manufacturer & Suppliers, Other Tools & Suppliers (Like Fabric and glass)

For more information about AeroDef India 2024 and to inquire about participation, please contact Mr. Harsh Pawar, Project Manager, Sustainable Development Leaders Council, via email at harsh@aerodefindiaexpo.com.

About Sustainable Development Leaders Council (SDLC)

The Sustainable Development Leaders Council is committed to driving sustainable manufacturing practices, clean energy transition, green supply chains, circular economy initiatives, and equitable growth in the Indian industry. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, SDLC aims to foster innovation and resilience while promoting environmental stewardship and social responsibility. 

Collins Aerospace Chief Information Officer (CIO) Mona Bates cuts the ribbon during the inauguration of the India Digital Technology Center in Bengaluru

The India Digital Technology Center, located in Bengaluru, is strategically positioned to play a pivotal role in Collins Aerospace's global innovation ecosystem, bringing value through digital initiatives across the globe. The center will specialize in enterprise resource planning, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data engineering and analytics and digital enablement of the product lifecycle. These capabilities set the center apart as a dynamic hub for digital transformation within the company.

"The India Digital Technology Center is accelerating our digital initiatives, enabling us to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our customers globally and drive technological advancements crucial to our industry," said Mona Bates, Chief Information Officer for Collins Aerospace. "It fosters an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and excellence for top-tier talent."

Collins Aerospace is committed to investing in technological innovations that enhance operational efficiency and contribute to the broader aerospace community's progress in India. The India Digital Technology Center reflects this commitment by serving as a hub for ideation, innovation, and the development of transformative compliant digital solutions. The center will be co-located with Pratt & Whitney's India Digital Capability Center, enabling greater cross-enterprise collaboration.

About Collins Aerospace

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is a leader in integrated and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Our 80,000 employees are dedicated to delivering future-focused technologies to advance sustainable and connected aviation, passenger safety and comfort, mission success, space exploration, and more.

About RTX

RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses - Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon - we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $68.9 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.

Mr. Ashwani Bhargava, Director Supply Chain Management, Boeing India and Mr. Pavan Ranga, CEO of Rangsons Aerospace in the image

Mr. Pavan Ranga, CEO of Rangsons Aerospace, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "This contract marks a significant milestone for Rangsons Aerospace and the Indian aerospace industry. We are honoured to partner with Boeing, a global aviation leader, and contribute towards advancing the aviation technology in India."

The five-year contract solidifies Rangsons Aerospace's position as a key contributor to the aviation supply chain, highlighting the company's steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation within the aerospace sector. This strategic alliance not only underscores Rangsons Aerospace's commitment to delivering high-quality, advanced solutions but also fortifies its global presence, extending from India to the United States and Israel.

About Rangsons Aerospace

Based in the heritage city of Mysuru, Rangsons Aerospace operates a cutting-edge manufacturing plant dedicated to the developing and manufacturing critical assemblies for the efficient conveyance of essential fluids such as power fluids (fuel), lubrication fluids, coolants, water, and oxygen, which are crucial for aircraft operations. The assemblies are engineered to withstand the rigorous conditions, including high pressure and vibrations, playing a pivotal role in the constructing essential aircraft systems and subsystems.

Specialising in intricate product solutions like Satellite Communication Terminals (SATCOM) and Datalinks, Rangsons Aerospace is renowned for its design and manufacturing expertise. The company holds the distinction of being the sole Indian entity with Type-Approved Airborne Heat Exchangers specifically designed for helicopter platforms.

From Left to right: Amit Kumar, Co-founder & COO, Krishanu Acharya, Co-founder & CEO and Rupesh Kumar, Co-founder, CTO

Suhora specializes in offering integrative, real time, actionable solutions by integrating Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Optical and Thermal data to provide Day and night, all-weather continuous monitoring. Suhora is focused on innovations in spatial science, earth data and artificial intelligence to provide solutions for several industry sectors such as defense, agriculture, environment and infrastructure. 

The partnership empowers Suhora to access ICEYE’s high-quality satellite imagery of any location on the planet which plays an important role in providing Suhora’s users with advanced monitoring and analytical geospatial solutions. ICEYE owns and operates the world's largest SAR satellite constellation, having launched more than two dozen satellites into low earth orbit. The constellation is designed to provide customers with reliable and frequent high-resolution imagery collections, enabling rapid detection and tracking of changes on the Earth’s surface, regardless of time of day, or weather conditions. This capability is vital for situational awareness and timely decision-making in diverse sectors, such as, insurance, national security, natural catastrophe response and recovery, humanitarian relief and climate change monitoring.  

Amit Kumar, COO and Co-Founder of Suhora, said, “Our expertise in working with SAR data enables us to create tailored services and solutions for different users across various organizations. SAR data has multiple use cases in several verticals. Our ability to work and derive utilities from SAR data will bring us to the forefront of geospatial technology. Our goal is to leverage the full potential of geospatial data to solve problems surrounding Earth and make our planet safe and sustainable for people.”

Rupesh Kumar, CTO and Co-Founder of Suhora, said, “SAR data is very valuable source of information today we can extract the insight multifold when we combine AI and ML capabilities to it. Our exclusive learning algorithms and ICEYE Data can be the fusion of cutting-edge technology with intelligent analysis, unveiling a world of insights from the invisible spectrum. I would like to mention the famous quote. "You can have the data without information, but you can't have information without data"."

Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-Founder of ICEYE, said, “Our technology goes beyond mere data collection; for us it’s about offering our customers actionable insights and elevating situational awareness. We are steadfast in our mission to provide unparalleled data of the highest quality and highest resolution to address these critical requirements for better decision making.” 

About Suhora

Suhora is focused on innovations in spatial science, earth data, and artificial intelligence to provide solutions for several industry sectors such as defense, agriculture, environment, infrastructure, and numerous others. The company specializes in offering integrative, real time, actionable solutions by integrating Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Optical and Thermal data to provide Day and night, all-weather continuous monitoring.

Please visit www.suhora.com for further details.

About ICEYE

ICEYE delivers unmatched persistent monitoring capabilities for any location on earth. Owning the world’s largest synthetic-aperture radar satellite constellation, the company enables objective, data-driven decisions for its customers in sectors such as insurance, natural catastrophe response and recovery, security, maritime monitoring and finance. ICEYE’s data can be collected day or night, and even through cloud cover.

For more information, please visit www.iceye.com.

• The partnership aims at merging GalaxEye’s SAR payload technology with MagicMyna’s high-stability UAV platforms for enhanced data collection

• SAR Technology Meets Precision UAV Platforms, Sets Its Sights on India's Aerospace Frontier / paving the way for advanced SAR technology in the Indian market and beyond

• The collaboration echoes the nation's call for indigenous excellence in defense and aerospace/aligns with 'Make in India,' reinforcing innovation in defense and aerospace

GalaxEye, a SpaceTech start-up and the first Indian earth observation satellite company, proudly announces a strategic partnership with MagicMyna Pvt. Ltd., a trailblazer in high-stability UAV platforms and solutions. This landmark collaboration aims to seamlessly integrate GalaxEye's cutting-edge SAR payload technology with MagicMyna's OctaPlus and other tailored multicopter platforms.

MOU with GalaxEye

GalaxEye stands at the vanguard of SAR payload technology, offering high-resolution imaging solutions pivotal in applications such as disaster management, environmental monitoring, and defense. SAR technology plays a crucial role in remote sensing, delivering vital data to decision-makers across diverse sectors. MagicMyna Pvt. Ltd. has earned acclaim as an innovative provider of customized drone solutions, celebrated for their stability and versatility. The OctaPlus drones provide an ideal platform for the integration of GalaxEye's SAR payloads, ensuring consistently high-quality imaging and data collection capabilities.

The 10-month partnership between GalaxEye and MagicMyna has already yielded success across various sectors. This collaboration elevates the efficiency and precision of SAR data collection, while also laying the groundwork for expansion into the Indian market and beyond. Both companies are actively exploring opportunities in the Indian commercial and defense space, wholeheartedly aligning with the "Make in India" initiative, which champions indigenous development and manufacturing in the defense and aerospace sectors.

Suyash Singh, Co-founder and CEO of GalaxEye, said, "GalaxEye's mission has always been to push the boundaries of space technology. Our multi-sensor imaging satellite is set to usher in a new era of all-time, all-weather imagery from space, offering boundless possibilities for analysts and consumers alike. Together with MagicMyna, we are unlocking unprecedented opportunities and unparalleled capabilities in aerial surveillance, data collection, and geospatial intelligence."

Sunil Nair, Co-founder of MagicMyna Pvt. Ltd., shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled about the future prospects of our collaboration with GalaxEye Space. Together, we are well-positioned to meet the burgeoning demand for SAR capabilities in India and contribute meaningfully to both defense and commercial endeavors."

The GalaxEye MagicMyna partnership marks a significant step forward in bolstering India's capabilities in SAR technology and aerial data collection, reinforcing the nation's pursuit of excellence in defense and aerospace innovation.

About GalaxEye

GalaxEye is a Space-Tech startup pioneering the world's first multi-sensor earth observation satellite. They are building a constellation of indigenous micro-satellites with data fusion capabilities. Their soon-to-launch satellite, "Drishti Mission", represents a significant achievement. GalaxEye has also developed India's First UAV SAR system for defense markets and completed over 200 successful flights with UAV SAR Payload. GalaxEye was featured amongst the Top 10 Start-ups to watch in 2023 by ViaSat and Tech30 startups of 2022 by YourStory. GalaxEye has spun out of team Hyperloop of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.

For more information, galaxeye.space

About MagicMyna Pvt. Ltd.

MagicMyna is a DPIIT-recognized start-up with a mission to innovate, develop, deploy products and technology aimed to democratize and scale the usage of Air Mobility solutions in India and beyond. Backed by in-house R&D and manufacturing facility in Coimbatore and partnering with India’s Leading technology entity CSIR – NAL, Bengaluru we provide improvised UAV platforms and innovative solutions for Defence, Agriculture, Logistics, Healthcare, and infrastructural sectors.

To learn more, please visit: www.linkedin.com/company/magicmyna-private-limited

Blue Blocks Space Lab

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Blue Blocks' 7th and 8th graders have played an integral role in the design of the space lab, designed by IIT Hyderabad. This unique partnership has fostered creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning, bridging the gap between education and real-world application.

Prof. Srikar from the Department of Design, IIT Hyderabad, who led the design of this Space Lab said, "Even as India breaks through new frontiers of space exploration with Chandrayaan 3, launch of the Space Lab by Blue Blocks opens new avenues for the aspiring young minds of India. This collaboration was a successful and participatory approach across teams from IIT Hyderabad and Blue Blocks, aimed at developing novel and futuristic pedagogical tools in space science."

The inauguration event will feature a live simulation of the Chandrayaan 3 landing. As the Vikram lander touches down on the lunar surface, a prototype of the lander will simultaneously land in Blue Blocks' space lab. The excitement will continue as the Pragyan rover emerges from the Vikram lander, mirrored by the prototype rover at Blue Blocks.

Pavan Goyal, founder of Blue Blocks, expressed his enthusiasm, "This collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and the involvement of our students in the design process represents the epitome of innovation-driven education. We are not only teaching our students about space exploration but allowing them to experience it firsthand. The alignment with Chandrayaan 3's landing adds a layer of inspiration and connection to India's scientific achievements."

Dr. B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, shared his insights, "The exploration of space has always been the common desire of scientists and philosophers, and it has resulted in establishing laws that govern our life both scientifically and socially. Blue Blocks' children’s exposure to drone technology syncs with Chandrayaan’s touchdown on the Moon. It ignites minds, and to paraphrase Neil Armstrong, it’s a small step for children but a giant leap in their education. Wishing the children to reach the stars in thought and action."

The space lab's inauguration marks a significant milestone in Blue Blocks' commitment towards "Empowering the future by merging the principles of Montessori education with cutting-edge space exploration. Blue Blocks Space Lab aims to inspire curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. We strive to foster a lifelong passion for learning, nurturing not only intellectual growth but also ethical and responsible stewardship of our universe. Through hands-on experiences and interdisciplinary innovation, we are shaping the next generation of global leaders, thinkers, and explorers."

Members of the press and the public are invited to attend the inauguration, witness the live simulation, and explore the space lab. Blue Blocks' adolescents will be hosting the event live on YouTube at 5:30 pm today, giving a tour of the space lab and conducting the simulation. Tune in at Blue Blocks' YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/@BLUEBLOCKS/streams.

LSA Kolkata at NASA centre in Florida

After a rigorous initial contest held in various countries, the top shortlisted institutions proceed to the regional contests, culminating in the grand finals hosted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at their center in Florida, USA.

LSA Kolkata team with the trophy after winning International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC)

Commenting on the victory, Shri Bharat Hari Singhania, President JK Organization and Chairman of the Education Foundation said, “We are immensely proud of our students' outstanding achievement at the competition. Their continuous dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit have once again proven their capabilities of reaching new heights on the global stage, every year. We believe that a global exposure is an essential component to prepare our students to become a global citizen. This remarkable victory reinforces our commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in education at LSA Kolkata.”

LSA Kolkata has been participating in this program since the year 2012. The academy has won ISSDC in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2019 and now in 2023. LSA Kolkata's repeated success underscores the academy’s dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering scientific curiosity. 12 students of Class X to XII participated in this program and represented the country at NASA for the final round in July, this year.

Supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the annual competition was founded by Ms. Anita Gale and Mr. Dick Edwards for high school students recreating the experience of working in an aerospace company’s proposal team. Students from all over the world are asked to envision space colonies and present their design projects. To achieve this challenging task, each team were provided with a guide who was also an industry expert. 

"ISC 2023 ignites a visionary platform to envision a transformative future for space, prioritizing socio-economic development. It propels innovative solutions that advance the space industry, fostering economic growth and societal progress. As India signs the Artemis Accords, the world anticipates intensified collaboration and sustainable space exploration. India Space Congress 2023 marks the beginning of a new era in space exploration, policy formulation, technological advancements, space diplomacy, and international collaboration, all aimed at driving collaboration and socio-economic development," - Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President SIA-India & CMD Ananth Technologies Ltd.

This anticipated event brings together distinguished luminaries from government, industry, and academia to share insights and expertise. The Congress anticipates a massive turnout of over 700 delegates, consisting of industry leaders, policymakers, defence experts, top consultants, diplomats and visionaries. This transformative event will feature more than 50+ sessions encompassing multiple tracks and themes, creating an immersive environment for knowledge exchange, breakthrough collaborations, and groundbreaking advancements.

"We are honored to have a distinguished lineup of VIP speakers who will enlighten the conference with their expertise and insights. These esteemed individuals include Hon. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Governor of Mizoram; Dr. S. Somanath, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO); Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Hon’ble Member of NITI Aayog; Shri Dharmendra IAS, Chief Secretary of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh; Shri K. Rajaraman, Chairman of the Digital Communications Commission (DCC) and Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communication; Mr. Thomas Bleeker, Head Aerospace, Nertherlan, Mr. Hazem Moakkit, Vice President of Spectrum Strategy at Intelsat; Dr. Mike Short, Chief Scientific Adviser at the UK Department for International Trade; and Mr. George Weinman, Senior Director of Blue Origin's Space Systems Development. Their presence will undoubtedly enrich the conference and inspire all attendees," Mr. Anil Prakash, Director General, SIA-India.

The resounding support for ISC 2023 has been overwhelming, with numerous esteemed government departments, ministries, associations, and institutions endorsing the event. Notable supporters include The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NITI Aayog, the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, India Post's Ministry of Communications & Technology, Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC), IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF), and Lovely Professional University (LPU).

ISC is partnering with Invest India to provide space entrepreneurs and startups an unparalleled opportunity to pitch their visionary ideas directly to investors and forge invaluable connections within the industry. This initiative aims to empower and catalyze the growth of space startups, propelling India's space sector to new heights of innovation and prosperity.

ISC also invites Indian authors to submit their original research papers, case studies, and thought-provoking articles focusing on leveraging space technology for socio-economic development. These contributions will shape India's space sector strategy and fuel private sector participation, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and growth.

Yusaku Maezawa (CEO, Start Today, Inc.) announced that 8 crew members and 2 backup crew members have been selected for "dearMoon", the first all-civilian project to fly around the Moon aboard Starship, a rocket being developed by Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Headquartered in Hawthorne, California, Founder: Elon Musk, SpaceX, Inc.).

dearMoon Crew

In March 2021, Maezawa, wishing to "open up the opportunity of going to space to more and more diverse talents", put out a call on the official dearMoon website for crew members to join him on the moon, and received more than 1 million applications from 249 countries and regions.

The profiles and interview videos of the 8 crew members and 2 backup crew members who passed the selection, interviews, and medical check have now been released. The 8 crew members from diverse backgrounds will fly around the Moon for approximately 7 days with Maezawa and return to Earth.

dearMoon Project Official Website / SNS

Official Website: dearmoon.earth

Twitter: twitter.com/dearmoonproject

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dearmoonproject

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@dearmoon2023

ISRO and Social Alpha have announced SpIN, India’s first dedicated platform for innovation curation and venture development for the burgeoning space entrepreneurial ecosystem
 

"Space applications cut across various domains from earth to the sky. Innovative technologies are expected to bring a paradigm shift in utilising space applications to maximise the economic, social, and environmental benefits for the larger society. I wish the SpIN platform would create a level playing field for various stakeholders to collaborate and contribute to the space ecosystem in the country," says Shri. S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO.
 

According to the Economic Survey Report 21-22, there are now over 100 active space start-ups in India - the number of start-ups in this sector has more than doubled in the last year alone. Through this partnership, ISRO will support the creation of an open innovation and scale-up platform for all space ecosystem stakeholders and promote active collaboration to make early-stage space start-ups successful. This also marks the entry of Social Alpha in the area of space tech, a vertical that has the potential to grow manifolds and introduce innovations that can directly impact millions of lives and livelihoods.
 

“Space science, technology, and data have the potential to contribute to various Sustainable Development Goals with high-impact applications in ensuring food security, reducing disaster risks, preventing humanitarian crises, and monitoring natural resources. At Social Alpha, we have stayed committed to our goal of bringing breakthrough innovations to the social sector with applications across climate, health, and livelihoods, and this partnership with ISRO will significantly strengthen our ability to create impact,” says Manoj Kumar, Founder, Social Alpha.
 

In line with the partnership announcement, SpIN has launched its first innovation challenge. Early-stage start-ups for developing solutions in areas of maritime and land transportation, urbanisation, mapping and surveying, disaster management, food security, sustainable agriculture, environmental monitoring, and natural resources management among others are encouraged to apply.
 

The selected start-ups and innovators will be able to access both Social Alpha’s and ISRO’s infrastructure and resources as per the prevailing guidelines. They will be provided active handholding in critical areas including access to product design, testing and validation infrastructure, intellectual property management, go-to-market strategy, and access to long-term patient capital, among other technical and business inputs. Applications are open from December 6, 2022, to February 6, 2023.

Photos from Space

Addressing the children from all across the world on the occasion of International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer at a virtual program, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution, Govt. of India Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey said, “This year also marks the 35th anniversary of the implementation of the Montreal Protocol which was designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances responsible for ozone depletion. The Montreal Protocol serves as a powerful example of multilateralism in action.” “The many problems facing the world - from deadly viruses to the climate change crisis - is a reminder that we can succeed in working together for the common good,” he added.
 

Homi Lab, the world’s first future learning lab in association with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Johnson Space Flight Center and Kalam Centre organized the International Space Station Camp where students were selected and trained to operate a digital camera on the International Space Station. Over 500 students from across the globe photographed various beautiful locations on Earth from a unique perspective in space. These students were also felicitated by the Hon’ble Minister.

The Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey joined as the Distinguished Guest for the inauguration of the ‘Photos from Space’ Gallery. This gallery serves as an extraordinary resource to study not only science but also geography, art, and above all the environment.
 

Srijan Pal Singh, Founder and CEO, Homi Lab and Former Advisor to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, said, “These photos highlight the concern our younger generation has towards protecting the sustainability of our planet. Also, this shows that young minds in our schools can be trained to use equipment in space and achieve extraordinary results. Homi Lab aspires to make future learning and big dreams part of our journey.”

In its effort to introduce new learning experiences and innovation, WhiteHat Jr will be enabling its students to access a live satellite to encourage space exploration and give a first-hand experience in space science. The satellite, named Ayana, has been developed by leading space service organisation EnduroSat with inputs from and expertise of the WhiteHat Jr team. Ayana was part of the payload carried by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare rocket, launched on May 25 at 18:35 GMT, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA. Ayana will create a one of a kind applied science opportunity for thousands of students who will be able to send commands to, and access data from a live satellite operating in space. 

WhiteHat Jr and EnduroSat launched Ayana Satellite

Ayana is a result of the WhiteHat Jr’s “Code A Satellite” programme, which is designed for WhiteHat Jr students to ideate, create, and explore space with the help of Ayana. Before accessing Ayana, students will be required to possess a basic understanding of coding to ensure that they are able to unlock the true potential of the program. Students will get a unique opportunity to:

• Track and monitor Ayana’s journey in real-time through an exclusive 90-degree camera

• Observe Earth’s landscapes and weather

• Understand the correlation between power and sun sensor values

• Simulate satellite behaviour by tinkering with the sensor values

WhiteHat Jr and EnduroSat launched Ayana Satellite

Speaking about the initiative, Ananya Tripathi, WhiteHat Jr CEO said, “We always believe in creativity, exploration and innovation-beyond the limits. Satellite and space technology are often considered out of reach and difficult to access by students. With the Code a Satellite programme, we will be able to democratise space technology and provide our students with an exceptional opportunity to interact with an orbiting satellite in real time. We are confident this will excite and encourage thousands of brilliant young minds across the globe and help them code like space scientists as they build their projects.”

From analysing sensor data (there are 30+ sensors onboard the satellite, including infrared, temperature, solar, and gyroscopic) to controlling cameras and taking pictures, to relaying messages to and fro, the applied science opportunities that students can access are vast. More than 500 kids have already enrolled for the ‘Code-a -Satellite’ program to become space coders through this program. WhiteHat Jr is the first edtech company in India which is making live satellite accessible to children through this program.

About WhiteHat Jr 

WhiteHat Jr was launched with the singular mission of empowering kids to become creators versus consumers of technology. The company has channelled students’ natural creativity through an engaging curriculum and personalised, live teacher attention. WhiteHat Jr’s 11,000+ strong teacher workforce conducts thousands of LIVE online classes every day on its proprietary platform. Cumulatively, the company has conducted more than 8.5 million classes to date. WhiteHat Jr was acquired by BYJU'S, the world's leading and India's largest Edtech company, in 2020. 

One-of-its-kind Stargazing Night Camp at Oakridge Bachupally

Around 50 families took part in this stargazing tour held at Oakridge Bachupally. Kids learned teamwork, how to build the tents, and enjoyed an overall camping experience. The children and their parents took the opportunity to explore and know the Night Sky and observed some of the deep sky objects like different Planets and the moon with help of the hi-end telescopes.

“Summer Learning Program 2022 was like never before, the stargazing activity was the showstopper, and setting up telescopes and watching the planets like Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, and Mars live was an exuberant experience for all of us, children came to me, and asked if they could stay back at school for some more night camps,” says Padmaja Ambaty, Camp Coordinator.

Students got an opportunity to participate in Astro Space, an initiative by the Society for Space Education Research and Development (SSERD) that provided hands-on astronomy experience for students to elevate and foster the education of space and research. "To let the students believe that they are made up of matter that was possibly once a part of stars, to let them realize that rocket science is something they can do in their school basketball court was an exhilarating experience for us as space science instructors," says Fareeha and Sneha, experts of the SSERD team.

The students at Summer Learning Program 2022, experienced various activities arranged in the school during this two-week program. Witnessed 86 students, with 20 expert instructors from various top organizations who conducted programs like Young Filmmakers Program by Metamorphosis, Robotics by Tix-Robotics, Swimming Lesson, Visual Arts, and Music.

Oakridge Bachupally’s in-school Summer Learning Program 2022 also hosted Rope sports, an initiative by Transcend Sports, which gave extraordinary challenges to the kids. “The kids enjoyed thrilling and fun activities like Zipline, Rappelling, Tyrolean Traverse, Vine Traverse, Tree Climbing with Jumar, Water Crossing, Tent pitching, Burma Bridge, and night camping.

In a fun environment, the students acquired essential life skills which enable them to perform outside their comfort zone, overcome fear, develop self-confidence and prepare them for proactive exploration in any field,” says Anand Kumar Sadhanapalli, one of the youngest Mt. Everest Climbers, Senior Instructor, Rock Climbing School.

“My child Aaradhya 8-year-old enjoyed summer camp she tried. Right from swimming to visual arts, rappelling, circuits, rocket parachutes it’s like a break away from technology and gadgets fun-filled activity, and least not to forget tempting and delicious snack and lunch menu. Thank you for the well-organized camp and kids loved all the activities hope to see more,” says Aruna, Parent of Aaradhya.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Baljeet Oberoi, Principal at Oakridge International School, Bachupally said, “One of the core values that we want to inculcate in children is Courage - courage to face the unknown, courage to deep dive and explore something new, courage to confront issues and take risks, courage to communicate, and much more. Our summer learning program activities were designed to not only provide real-world experiences to children but also to unlock their innate talents in varied domains of holistic education. It was indeed a pleasure to see young learners coming out of their comfort zone, and imbibing values in the true sense.”

About Oakridge International School, Bachupally

Oakridge International School, Bachupally is a part of Nord Anglia Education, the world’s leading premium school organization. Oakridge students are connected to a community of 76 international schools spread across 31 countries, with access to rich resources, support, and global opportunities that enhance the schools’ already excellent teaching and learning experience. Oakridge Bachupally School was recently ranked in the Top 3 International Schools in Hyderabad and No.1 in Northwest Zone in Times School Rankings 2021. The school also ranked among the Top 3 International Day Schools in Hyderabad and Telangana by Education World India School Rankings 21-22.

To know more about the different programs, reach out to www.oakridge.in/bachupally.

Sgr A* black hole at the centre of the Milky Way

The Centre will operate closely with other research clusters at Ahmedabad University. The International Centre for Space and Cosmology is also planning workshops and conferences, looking to host visitors for short and long durations, engage with students across the world who have an interest in Astrophysics, Space and Cosmology, and create academic programmes.

Anchored at Ahmedabad University’s School of Arts and Sciences, the Centre will work in collaboration with colleagues nationally and internationally with related interests. The Director, Professor Pankaj Joshi, is a scientist acknowledged for his fundamental contributions in Black Hole Physics and Cosmology. One of his major topics of research is the possibility of gravitational collapse of massive stars into naked singularities rather than black holes. The other founding faculty members of the Centre are Professor Gaurav Goswami and Professor Raghavan Rangarajan, both of whom work on Cosmology and High Energy Physics, particularly in the context of early Universe physics and correlations with observations of the Universe today.

The launch of the new Centre coincides with recent observations by the Event Horizon Telescope (May 2022) of the highly compact and dense object at the centre of the Milky Way galaxy.  Using an array of networked radio telescopes around the globe, an image has been obtained showing the ultracompact object at the centre of our galaxy. The JMN (Joshi-Malafarina-Narayan) naked singularity model proposed and published in 2011 by Professor Pankaj Joshi and colleagues contributed to the modelling that underlies this discovery.

About Ahmedabad University

Ahmedabad University is a leading private, non-profit research university offering students a liberal education focused on interdisciplinary learning and research thinking. The University, established in 2009, is rooted in the vision of one of India’s finest educational foundations, the Ahmedabad Education Society, which was founded in 1935 by nationalist leaders. Programmes at the University range from bachelors to doctoral levels in humanities & social sciences, natural sciences, engineering and management through its ten Schools and Centres:

Amrut Mody School of Management | School of Arts and Sciences | School of Engineering and Applied Science | Centre for Heritage Management | VentureStudio | Centre for Learning Futures | Global Centre for Environment and Energy | Centre for Inter-Asian Research | Ahmedabad Design Lab | International Centre for Space and Cosmology.

An urban university, Ahmedabad promotes independent-mindedness and diversity across all dimensions of its activity and helps students mature into critical thinkers who are analytically equipped, practically oriented, and contextually-aware global citizens. The University provides a contemporary educational framework that brings liberal arts, sciences, and the professions to engage together in creating new knowledge for addressing complex challenges of the society and in offering majors that merge the boundaries of disciplines to prepare students for the new economy.

For more information, please visit: www.ahduni.edu.in.

IIT Madras-based Space Tech start-up, Agnikul unveiled its full-scale second-stage engine - Agnilet at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) and at the World Expo in Dubai. Agnikul inked multiple agreements with various stakeholders in the event which will directly catalyze its efforts of launching in 2022.
 

Agnikul Cosmos unveils Made In India rocket engine at Dubai
 

Agnilet is the world's first single-piece 3D printed engine fully designed and manufactured in India and was successfully test-fired in early 2021 by Agnikul. Agnikul had an opportunity to showcase this engine at IAC 2021 which is the most prestigious space tech gathering in the world. 

Speaking about IAC & revealing Agnilet there, Moin SPM, Co-founder & COO, Agnikul, said, “The unveiling of Agnikul’s engine at a global stage such as the IAC, allowed us to showcase the capabilities of Indian space tech startups to the international community and allowed us to forge agreements with multiple commercial players such as NPC Spacemind and Precious Payload. We were humbled and excited to present ourselves in the India Pavilion of the Dubai World Expo 2021 with 194 countries participating.” 
 

The company signed an MoU with NPC Spacemind to provide end-to-end solutions for its customers as NPC manufactures advanced state-of-the-art satellite subsystems and small satellites deployers. NPC Spacemind’s, Niccolo Benini, Business Development Manager, NPC Italy said, “We are thrilled to announce the signature of MoU with Agnikul, a company focusing on the design of modular launch vehicles exceptionally based on customer’s requirements. This MoU poses the bases for future collaborations between NPC and Agnikul. Looking forward to launching with Agnikul soon.” 
 

Agnikul Cosmos unveils Made In India rocket engine at Dubai
 

Additionally, an agreement between Precious Payload was signed to get global access to customers. “We have been tracking several interesting small satellite launch projects, and Agnikul is one of them. We are happy to add Agnibaan, a customizable and scalable rocket, to our launch schedule and put this NewSpace team in front of our international customers,” said CEO and Co-founder of Precious Payload, Andrew Maximov.

Agnikul also signed an agreement with India-based Asaco which will help the startup realise various structural subsystems of Agnibaan. Speaking about the agreement Rajesh Kothapalli, CEO, ASACO said, “This endeavour is a combination of ASACO’s decades of experience in machining complex assemblies and Agnikul’s bold vision for the next chapter in Indian space. We are proud to support a privately funded indigenous spacecraft and prove to the world that India has the capability to deliver on its vision.”
 

Founded in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM & Prof. SR Chakravarthy (from IIT Madras), Agnikul is building India’s first private small satellite launch vehicle - Agnibaan, a rocket that enables plug-and-play configuration and is capable of carrying up to 100 kg of payload to low Earth orbits. This on-demand rocket can be fully customized to the customer’s needs at an affordable cost. Agnikul's diverse team of rocket scientists, engineers, and investors are working on the vision of making space accessible and affordable. The IIT Madras incubated start-up is looking to complete its first mission sometime next year. 

In December 2020, Agnikul became the first company in the country to sign an agreement with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the IN-SPACe initiative to have access to the space agency’s expertise and its facilities to build Agnibaan. 

About Agnikul Cosmos

Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited is a Chennai, India-based start-up incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras). It is building India’s first private small satellite rocket, Agnibaan, that will be capable of carrying up to 100 kg of payload to low Earth orbits up to 700 km. The vehicle has the capability for a plug-and-play engine configuration that is configurable to precisely match the mission's needs.
 

For more information, visit agnikul.in.
 

About Precious Payload

Precious Payload helps teams build satellite projects and ship payloads to space faster and cheaper.

For more information, visit preciouspayload.com.

About NPC Spacemind

Spacemind is the aerospace division of the company N.P.C. New Production Concept S.r.l. with core business focused on research and development of products dedicated to space sector. 
 

Its focus is to become a solution provider for nano satellite, cubesat and space related applications offering complete package solutions and permitting to bring a scientific research to a commercial industrialized product and service. Aerospace engineering know-how combined with more then 10 years experience in assembling complex automatic machines is our strategy to provide a solutions starting from engineering services to complete product design and realization.
 

Its innovative solutions range from small satellite missions, cubesat and nanosatellite hardware, up to professional observatory telescope mount and tracking systems.
 

For more information, visit www.npcspacemind.com.

About Asaco

Asaco is one of India’s leading suppliers of critical Aerospace components to the Industry and has decades of experience in manufacturing Industrial Machinery & Components/Sub Assemblies. It is the sole supplier of the critical PS4, fourth stage Liquid Propulsion Engines for the PSLV launch vehicle to ISRO. It has State of the art Facility with 4, 5 & 7 Axis CNC machines and World-class Quality Control Lab, AS9100 and ISO9001 Certified company and NADCAP Accredited EBW Facility

For more information, visit www.asaco.in.

India is revising its existing policies and is also in the process of bringing in the new ones to increase industry participation in the space sector, Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) & Secretary Department of Space, Govt. of India said today while addressing the inaugural session on ‘Future of Space-International Participations & Collaborations’ at the The India Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai.

Dr. K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO & Secretary Department of Space, Govt. of India virtually addressing at the inauguration of Space Week at the India Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai

Dr. Sivan emphasised that the recent reforms in the sector has ensured that the role of private sector has evolved from being just suppliers to partners in the process.

In his video message, Dr. Sivan highlighted that space is one of the significant areas India is looking at for international cooperation, adding, “I hope space cooperation will further strengthen with commercial and technological collaborations.” Indian industry has to play a big role in the space sector globally, said Dr. Sivan.

Highlighting the reforms in the sector, Dr. Sivan said that the government is open to inviting private players in the space sector and ISRO is tieing up with start-ups and industries. “India is focussing on international collaborations, including bilateral and multilateral partnerships,” he added.

Dr. Sivan also appreciated the Indo-UAE engagement in space and collaborations with ISRO in space applications.

He said that the Indian industry would play a big role in space sector as involvement of start-ups and MSMEs increases in future. “ISRO has joined hands with NITI and DPIIT for encouraging start-ups,” he added.

He also emphasised on the need to make outer space safe and that it’s a collective responsibility of the government and non-govt agencies to ensure that. “ISRO will be supportive of all international collaborations which benefit humanity,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address virtually, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) said that India aspires to launch a dozen missions every year going ahead as against 4-5 currently. He also added that the country is working on Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) and advanced applications. “India will also offer private services to other countries and cooperate with international agencies to develop innovative missions with cost-effective and agile launch vehicles. It’s a new India that is emerging in the space sector.”

Dr. Goenka said, “Global Space sector is expected to touch a trillion dollar by the end of this decade and the sector is going through a major transformation.”

He further said, “India is working on space laws and space policy to bring in industry focussed approach in place of just government focussed one currently.” He highlighted that the government is committed to providing an enabling environment for collaboration with national and international organisations. He said that the formation of IN-SPACe and New Space India Ltd. (NSIL) is a step in this direction, and it would change the ecosystem in India. “The evolution of start-ups in the space sector in India will lead to revolution,” he added.

Speaking at the panel discussion on the sidelines of the event, Mr. Umamaheshwaran R, Scientific Secretary, ISRO said that by supporting the investments from private sector, India would be able to contribute significantly to the USD 360 billion invested in the Space Sector globally. India is expected to contribute about USD 40-50 Billion by 2025.

Dr. Sam Dayala Dev, Director, ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), highlighted the importance of space robotics and artificial intelligence in the space domain. He also informed that Gaganyaan mission envisages humanoid flying uniquely unlike other robots where they get assembled in space.

Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), ISRO said that the fascination with human space flight will ignite the minds of the young in taking up roles in exploring space technology.

Mr. Vitaly Safonov, Deputy Director General, JSC Glavkosmos, Russia, highlighted the long term engagement with ISRO right from Aryabhatta to cryo stages. Mr. Thomos Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA, highlighted the close partnerships with ISRO especially on NISAR project. Mr. Antony Murfett, Deputy Head, Australian Space Agency informed that Australian space desires to closely work to enhance in supply chain with international collaboration.

Mr. Laxmesh BH, Co-Chair-Taskforce on Compliance and Regulatory Affairs, FICCI Space Sector & Head – Missiles & Aerospace Business & Operations, L&T Defence earlier said, “Many nations are today looking at focus on space sector as a growth strategy. It is time that countries collaborate together to bring in the required changes in the space treaties.”

The Space Week being organised by the Department of Space and FICCI will see a series of events on themes like Space for start-ups: Infinite opportunities in space, Space 2030: Space for Sustainable Businesses and Space-Building Capacity and Research Opportunities.

To know more about India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, please visit:

Website - www.indiaexpo2020.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/indiaatexpo2020

Instagram - www.instagram.com/indiaatexpo2020

Twitter - twitter.com/IndiaExpo2020?s=09

Linkedin - www.linkedin.com/company/india-expo-2020/?viewAsMember=true

YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UC6uOcYsc4g_JWMfS_Dz4Fhg/featured.

Koo - www.kooapp.com/profile/IndiaExpo2020.

To know more about Expo 2020 Dubai, please visit - www.expo2020dubai.com/en.

SatCom Emerging trends - Speakers

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'SatCom Emerging trends: Post reform era’ a 2 day conference by SIA-India was attended by 48 speakers from over 12 countries with active participation of 400+ participants over 2 days.

SatCom Emerging trends - Speakers

The virtual event saw the leading luminaries and eminent speakers discussing the future role of Satellite industry especially in the context of India. Supported by ISRO the objective of this conference was to provide a platform to various stakeholders to come together and address the critical issues and challenges faced by the Satellite industry.

In his opening remark, Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President-Sia-India & CMD - Ananth Technologies Ltd. outlined the importance and future prospect of space technology especially the Indian Satcom ecosystem. According to Dr. Rao, over 500 firms engaged in space technologies will benefit from these reforms. Mr. Thomas Choi, Founder CEO - Airspace IX and Founder CEO - Speedcast Limited mentioned, "India should focus more on developing systems which are not expensive." In his special address, Mr. R. Umamaheshwaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO (Guest of Honour) talked about the fantastic growth of the SatCom industry in India in the last 40 years which has drastically affected the lives of the common people. He further said, “Space has the opportunity to play a complementary role for development and growth.” Dr. AS Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman ISRO & Secretary, Department of Space emphasized on the larger participation of private and global players in this field to fulfil the need and demand for Satcom Industry overall growth in India.

"In a country with 57% rural India is unconnected, satellites will play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide. SIA-India's emphasis is to play an important role in facilitating a regulatory and policy framework to make this happen," Mr. Anil Prakash, Director General, Satcom Industry Association.

The day 2 of the event saw eminent speakers deliberate on the participation of the private sector in the SatCom industry. 'Space Startups connecting to International markets with emerging business Models' was also a subject for the discussion.

This well timed conference is expected to help create a bridge between the government and the industry bodies to understand the importance of the space economy as the next big leap towards making India a global superpower.

About SIA-India

SIA-India is a non-profit association created to represent the interests of the communication satellite ecosystem in India. As a vibrant body, SIA-India represents satellite operators, satellite systems, launch vehicles and ground and terminal equipment manufacturers and application solutions providers to the Government, Regulators, Policymakers, and domestic and international standards bodies. As the apex representative body for the satellite communications ecosystem, we aim to present the industry's interest to the highest Government levels for policy-making and regulatory and licensing matters.

A unified voice for Satellite Communication Industry in India Website: www.sia-india.com.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise is all set to host its annual coding event for students, HPE CodeWars 2021 India Edition. The first-of-its-kind virtual competition will be hosted in partnership with the leading K-12 coding platform Codingal.

Winner of the competition will get a chance to run their coding experiments on HPE’s Spaceborne Computer-2 (SBC-2) which has been launched in space to be used on the International Space Station (ISS).

HPE CodeWars 2021 India Edition will be hosted on April 10, 2021. The competition, currently open for participation from schools across the country, aims to engage high-school students from grade 9-12 in order to motivate them to pursue coding and to introduce them to STEM-based career paths.

More than 3,000 students from schools across India are expected to participate in HPE CodeWars 2021 India Edition. Participants stand a chance to win prizes worth Rs 2,00,000/- from HPE and certificates for recognition; in addition to interacting with the SBC-2 and mentorship with HPE India technology leads.

For the competition, the students are required to solve 25 coding-related problems in 3 hours using any of the programming languages among C, C++, Java, Python, and JavaScript. More details about the competition are available here - www.codingal.com/competitions/hpe-codewars-2021.

Students will also get free guides on how to prepare for the competition. There will be a practice session consisting of 30 coding problems to solve. This will prepare young school students for how virtual competitions and problem-solving works. They will also get an idea of what type of problem statements to expect in the main competition.

Vivek Prakash, Co-founder of Codingal said, “HPE’s Spaceborne Computer-2 is a part of an ongoing mission to test advanced, reliable computing in space by using an affordable, high-performing, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) computer system that organizations buy and use on Earth, which has never been done before. We are extremely excited to collaborate with HPE to host HPE CodeWars 2021 India Edition, with a common goal of making the students realize the unprecedented opportunities that lie ahead of them through coding.”

“In today’s technology-centric life, it is crucial for children to develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills and coding can allow them to enhance these skills. HPE is an innovation leader and we couldn’t have found a better partner to give students a dream platform to code and interact with HPE Spaceborne Computer-2 on the International Space Station. We hope this creates excitement among the children and allows them to unleash their potential,” adds Vivek.

Pallavi Mahajan, VP & Site Lead, HPE India R&D Center said “HPE CodeWars is a gateway to an aspirational career option in the field of technology. It is aimed at high school students from grades 9th to 12th. It is a matter of pride for HPE to be able to encourage young minds by being a force for good. We are excited that the top ranks get an opportunity to run their experiments on HPE’s Spaceborne Computer-2, which for the first time, is bringing astronauts and researchers the most advanced computer to run projects right from space by using the HPE ProLiant server and HPE Edgeline Converged Edge system that organizations use here on Earth.”

Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud platform as-a-service company that helps organizations accelerate outcomes by unlocking value from all of their data, everywhere. Built on decades of reimagining the future and innovating to advance the way people live and work, HPE delivers unique, open and intelligent technology solutions, with a consistent experience across all clouds and edges, to help customers develop new business models, engage in new ways, and increase operational performance.

Codingal is the #1 coding platform for K-12, with a mission to inspire school students to fall in love with coding at a young age. Launched in September 2020, Codingal has already empowered 40,000+ students by motivating them to start learning coding via competitions and high-quality coding education. All classes are taught live 1:1 by vetted and trained teachers who are expert at programming and only from a Computer Science background. The coding curriculum is based on a standardized K-12 Computer Science Framework, which students find very fun & engaging.

Today, schools and traditional education systems are not equipped to provide the proper coding education to children. Codingal is here to change that and empower every student with the tools, content, competitions, and live coding classes to start learning to code and build anything they imagine. Codingal is also backed by top industry advisors and investors, including Rebright Partners and Y Combinator.

Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar receives Doctorate from Mrs. Ambika K R Hota, Directory, WHRPC

This award was been offered to Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar for his continuous efforts for past five years in field of Research & Development. The programme was held in the India International Centre in Delhi where many noted personalities like Mr. Paulias (He Papua New Guinea WHO), Mr. Christiaan Boss Chief Education Officer South Africa, Mr. Alfered Villi Counselor of Trade USA, Mr. Jean Counselor of Bukrano Fass, Mr. Asif Director of Indian Economic Corporation, Mr. Bhimbadar Pradhan IAS secretary General, Mr. Willy Bitt High commission of Kenya, Mrs. Abhina KR. Hota, International Director of World Human Rights Protection commission were present. He was provided with the Doctorate on Honaris Causa diploma and Honorarium by the chief Guest of ceremony Mrs. Abhina KR. Hota International Director WHRPC along with the organizing committee of WHRPC and other international Delegates.

While considering some important contributions in R&D of Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar like chandran's theories of activities of space which is widely recognized as the valuable theoretical explanation for the movements of planets around sun in elliptical orbit, Ring Formation around planets, Stability of planets, Reason behind Spherical Formation of Planets, Non-collision property of planets. This Research paper was published in Earth system science in 105^th Indian science Congress association and secured Best Poster Award 2018 in conference that held in Imphal, Manipur by Ministry of science and technology, Government of India. This was actually the turning point of the Idea of making the company related to space. After the announcement by Department of space, Government of India regarding the private companies participations in field of space, Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar launched his own space company N&H Research Park, which has actively taken part in the projects of space science which made them India’s first Private Space Logical Analytics Research & Development Company. This company was also got many awards like Global business summit award-2020, Start-up Summit Award, etc.

“I feel really proud and happy for receiving the honoris causa from the world human rights protection commission organized by British Council UK and United Nations USA, At this moment I feel of thanking my parents Mr. Ravikumar & Mrs.Jayanthi ravikumar and also my friends those who supported me from the early days without them this wouldn't be possible. Still now it’s a dream for many researchers to get the honoris cousa, so I dedicate this honor to all my fellow researchers and this award encouraging me to work towards my life time goal of winning noble prize in the field of physics,” said Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar.

It is also noted that he is the recipient of various national awards like Tamil Nesan Award, Best Research paper of year award, etc for his works like chandran's Anti-Denv Decoction, Natural Source for oncology treatment, etc. Some other notable international awards and achievement like world fastest book writer world record with India books of records for compelling the book "secrets of society" in 10 days and Excellency of Research by Institute of scholars for his research work of "Summarized facts, managements and treatment protocol for COVID-19”.

About Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar

Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar is a Notable scientist, Doctor of Medical Research and Development by profession. He is the recipient of Best Scientist of India Award - 2018 from Government of India, Author of Fastest book writer world record making book Secrets of society - 2019, GTF World Business summit Award-2020 in field of Science and Technology and Founder of N&H Research Park - India’s First Private space logical analytics Research and Development services company headquartered in Tamil Nadu. The Company aims to make space science logically more reliable. He is well known for his law of planetary Motion chandran's theories of activities of space. This research paper is widely recognized as the valuable theoretical explanation for the movements of planets around sun in elliptical orbit, Ring Formation around planets, Stability of planets, Reason behind Spherical Formation of Planets, Non-collision property of planets.

This Research paper was published in Earth system sciences in 105th Indian science Congress association and secured Best Poster Award 2018 in conference that held in Imphal, Manipur by Ministry of science and technology, Government of India. The Book published in least time is 10 days and this record was set by Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar of Chennai along with his team. The book titled “Secrets of Society” ISBN 978-1-64546-171-5 is published by Notion Press on June 1, 2019. This book was released in various e-stores like Amazon, Flipkart, Notion press, Etc. The book secrets of society was especially made in the idea of making the world record so this doesn't cover any important topics but it is a book which describes the day to day life incidents of 21st generation people.

For more information, please visit: www.chennaipr.in. 

Shekhar Sanyal, Country Head and Director of IET India said, “The IET is delighted to be hosting the NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2020. Its theme of "Take Action" is relevant to the issues of today especially in view of the pandemic. We hope that this challenge will enable participants to develop real solutions to global challenges. We look forward to seeing some innovative solutions that will support global efforts in this area.”

Dr D Dhanasekaran, Chair - IET India’s Chennai Local Network said, “The impact of the global health pandemic has catalysed the need for collective ingenuity in the world right now. International collaboration and sharing of free and open-data to solve challenges that we currently face on Earth and in space is the need of the hour. IET Chennai Local Network welcomes participants from all backgrounds to take part in the challenge.”

“This is the first time IET India’s Chennai Local Network is hosting the International Space Apps Challenge in India,” says Vivek Vasan, an active volunteer of the IET Chennai Network and Lead for the NASA Space App Challenge. “For participants, this is a great opportunity to make a difference in the field of technology through collaboration and play their role to work towards IET’s vision of ‘Working to engineer a better world.”

For more information about the NASA Space App Challenge, please send an email to: ietclntreasurer@gmail.com.

About the IET

• We inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community to engineer a better world

• We are a diverse home for engineering and technology intelligence throughout the world. This breadth and depth mean we are uniquely placed to help the sector progress society

• We want to build the profile of engineering and technology to change outdated perceptions and tackle the skills gap. This includes encouraging more women to become engineers and growing the number of engineering apprentices

• Interview opportunities are available with our spokespeople from a range of engineering and technology disciplines including cyber-security, energy, engineering skills, innovation, manufacturing, technology, transport and diversity in engineering

• For more information, please visit www.theiet.org.

Institution of Engineering and Technology - India

The IET office started operations in India in 2006, in Bangalore. Today, we have over 13,000 members and the largest membership base for the IET outside of the UK.

Given the increasing global importance of India as an engineering hub our aim is to make an impact that has relevance both locally and internationally. Our strategy is to make a meaningful impact on the overall competency and skill levels within the Indian engineering community and play an influencing role with the industry in relation to technology innovation and solving problems of public importance.

We want to do this via partnerships with industry, academia and government, focussing on the application of practical skills within both learning & career lifecycles, driving innovation and thought leadership through high impact sectors.

For more details, please visit india.theiet.org.

Mr. Samar Bhargava - Executive Director - Defsys Solutions

Defsys Solutions was presented the award by the zonal development commissioner of Noida, Dr. L.B Singhal at the Lalit Hotel, Connaught Place, New Delhi. The event was graced by industry veterans and leading players in the export segment and was organized by the members of the Regional Governing Council - NSEZ.

According to Executive Director of Defsys Mr. Samar Bhargava, “This award is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of the Defsys family and we are proud of this momentous achievement. We aim to take the company to even greater heights in the coming years and are thrilled to have received this award which honours our expertise in the industry.”

The Council, which has been set up by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of the Indian Government, is comprised of industry experts and provides financial assistance to EOUs/SEZ units through Market Development Assistance (MDA) for export promotion activities abroad. It plays a vital role in taking up issues affecting EOUs/SEZs with various Ministries like Commerce, Finance, CBEC, CBDT, RBI, State Governments etc, organizes trade fairs in India & abroad, and informs members about the latest development and changes in the national and international trade scenario.

Defsys Solutions Private Limited (Defsys), established in 2007, is a leading Indian Defence Integrated Systems company committed to providing a total solution from concept to realization, with high quality and reliable products. Defsys is a Private Indian Entity and one of the fastest growing Defence MSMEs in the country, clocking an order book of over INR 2000 Crores. With over 180 employees across four locations with group businesses including civil Aviation MRO & Technical Services, Defsys has successfully executed a large number of defence projects for global defence OEMs and Indian Defence and Aerospace customers like Indian Army, Indian Air force, HAL, DRDO and other DPSUs.

This is the third time in less than 24 months that Planet will launch from India on a PSLV rocket. In February 2017, 88 Planet Dove satellites, the largest satellite constellation ever to reach orbit, travelled on the PSLV-C37 as part of ISRO’s record-breaking launch of 104 satellites.

The four Dove satellites on this launch are tech demos responsible for testing improvements to several of the satellite subsystems, including the camera technology, thermal control, and altitude determination & control system. Planet launches tech demo satellites several times a year to ensure they are using the latest and most advanced technology. These advancements are then incorporated into future operational fleets.

Karthik Govindhasamy, Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President - Engineering, Planet

“We’ve been very pleased with our working relationship with Antrix Corporation Limited (Antrix), the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). When Planet proposed to send a record-breaking 88 satellites to orbit on a single launch, they accepted the challenge without hesitation, and they delivered,” said Karthik Govindhasamy, CTO and EVP of Engineering at Planet. “We’re excited to be back in India working with their team and look forward to a successful launch.”

“We have a rich history with Planet and we are proud to be a reliable launch partner that they can count on for consistent and timely launches,” said Rakesh S, Chairman and Managing Director, Antrix Corporation Limited. “Planet’s appetite for launch capacity is impressive and we’re excited that the PSLV continues to meet their needs.”

An artistic rendition of PMAS 2017 analogue astronauts conducting a Martian EVA, showcasing PMAS and Analogue missions as crucial steps toward future crewed missions to deep-space destinations

Explaining whether analogue simulations like this can really help us get to Mars, Sebastian Hettrich, PMAS 2017 Mission Director said in an article, “Analogue Missions in general are good and low-cost opportunities to test and study certain aspects of a long-term space exploration mission, such as a Mars mission. They help us understand and address potential risks and issues that the future Mars astronauts will have to face, and therefore, can make such missions much safer and scientifically more efficient.” 

Sharing his experience, Rohan Chandra who was a Record Officer at the mission said, "As a Record officer, I was responsible for logging events, occurrences, instructions, activities and conditions at the habitat and also at the Mission Support Centre. These log-files are crucial for the reconstruction of the events during the mission, the analyses of workflows and procedures, the planning and scheduling of the analogue astronaut activities and to analyse the overall mission efficiency. It was perhaps the most amazing learning experience for me where I got to learn in the best way possible, with the best mentors and organizations."

N Adhithiyan, who worked as a Science Data office at the mission shared, "I was responsible for the scientific results, research data, documents, video and audio transmission and all the other data that was sent to and from the habitat to the Mission Support Centre."

The exploration mission was isolated from the rest of the world. The astronauts’ only communication with the outside world was through a 15-minute time-delayed link (in Mars mode) with the Flight Support Team (FST) in the Mission Support Centre located 89 miles away in the offices of ABM Space in Torun, Poland. 

For more information, visit www.upes.ac.in,

The gripping narrative which swivels between the first responders, survivors and investigators has a percussive force and mines out the best tropes of the chase genre. The human cross-section, spliced archive clips and visceral location shooting, create a throbbing sense of the city's pulse that becomes the engine of Patriots Day. Mark Wahlberg gives a restrained performance picking up from where he left off in the 2016 release “Deep Water Horizons“ while J. K. Simmons holds in own in this unflinching retelling of the worst terrorist attack on American Soil since 9/11.

With “La La land” celebrating 50 days at the Indian Box Office and the success of Oscar Nominated “Deepwater Horizon” and “Jackie”  the distributors Runaway Luminosity have been propelled to bring in more critically acclaimed Hollywood content to Indian Cinemas.

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Miss out on Patriots Day

1. Patriots Day is a stirring tale of ordinary heroism after the Boston Bombings

2. Peter Berg’s compelling and empathetic storytelling makes you feel a part of the crisis instead of being a spectator. You’ll like this film for the same reason that you admired Ram Madhvani’s 'Neerja' last year. 

3. Genuinely exciting megaplex entertainment, informed by extensive research, featuring bona fide movie stars, and staged with equal degrees of professionalism and respect.

4. He virtually thrives on a viewer’s nerves, on our awareness that “it” is just around the corner and stretches the intro skillfully, quietly – piano to strings and back – making this phase feel like we were holding our breath underwater.

5. Adrenaline Pumping, Nail-biting and poignant

Patriots Day released on March 3 is playing in cinemas in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa, Bengaluru, Kochi, Mysore, Nagpur, Ahemedabad & Chandigarh.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJXqh2rDehg

The changes at the channel are being fronted by established and credible faces of Television - Sumit Awasthi, Richa Anirudh and Akash Soni along with Navjyot Kaur, Tejasvi Chandok Nayyar, Payal Bhuyan, Himani Naithani, Pankaj Bhargava and the channel’s present team of young and credible journalists and reporters. IBN7 will be launching several new shows as part of its re-launch. From a programme that will showcase news from every nook and corner of the country Desh Din Bhar to a big town, big story show – Rajdhani Express and a show dedicated to the latest buzz and trends in the social media space INews, the channel’s programming line-up will appeal to a wide cross-section of viewers. The prime time programming on IBN7 is also being re-vamped and strengthened with a new show Aath Baje which will not only be a round-up of news but will also deep dive into major issues, a rejuvenated & pacy India Nau Baje with short format news, packages and newsmaker interviews and a new crime bulletin – Crime News.

Commenting on the re-launch, Umesh Upadhyay, President (News), Network18 said, “The IBN7 re-launch, we believe, will be a defining milestone for the channel. It is extremely important that news channels stay relevant to viewers. Our increased focus on news as against just views, clean look and feel, our unmatched footprint and coverage and our focus on strong journalistic values will resonate with the Hindi news viewers. We already have an exceptionally strong team with senior journalists Sh. Sanjeev Paliwal and Sh. M.K. Jha which has become stronger, more vibrant and more credible with the addition of our new team members.”

ABOUT TV18

The Network18 Group is a media and entertainment company with interests in television, internet, films, e-commerce, magazines, mobile content and allied businesses. Through its subsidiary ‘TV18 Broadcast Ltd.’ [BSE: 532800, NSE: TV18BRDCST], the group operates news channels - CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN-Lokmat (a Marathi regional news channel in partnership with the Lokmat group). TV18 also operates a joint venture with Viacom, called Viacom18, which houses a portfolio of popular entertainment channels – Colors, Colors HD,MTV, SONIC, Comedy Central, VH1, Nick. Nick Jr. and Nick Teen - and Viacom18 Motion Pictures, the group’s filmed entertainment business. TV18 has also forayed into the Indian factual entertainment space through A+E Networks | TV18 (a joint venture between A+E Networks and TV18 Broadcast) and operates HistoryTV18. TV18 and Viacom18 have also formed a strategic joint venture called IndiaCast, a multi-platform ‘content asset monetization’ entity mandated to drive domestic and international channels distribution, placement services and content syndication for the bouquet of channels from TV18, Viacom18 and other broadcasters. For more information, please log on to www.network18online.com

For Further information contact:

Divya Joshi

+91-9899098505

MSLGROUP 

Mr. Rakesh Gupta, Head, JAINHITS said, “We are committed to serve our customers across India, with best services at an affordable price. Karnataka is indeed an important market for us. We welcome Nabho Broadcasting Pvt. Ltd. on board and look forward to provide JAINHITS services in partnership with them across the state of Karnataka.”

Mr. Santosh Keloji, Managing Director, Nabho Broadcasting Pvt. Ltd. said, “We were on the lookout for a partner in Broadband & Video play, who could help us with a world-class services and wide choice of channels and services to customers. The vision of "DIGITAL INDIA" can be achieved with a superior technology like JAINHITS. JAINHITS provides both video & broadband solutions through its network of LCO partners and thus connects every village with Video, Data and Voice.”

Adding to this, Mr. Goutham Siddalingappa, Director, Nabho Broadcasting Pvt. Ltd. said, “The partnership with JAINHITS is the best choice as it provides simple “Plug & Play Cost Effective fully DAS compliant Cable TV Digitization Solution to cable operators. JAINHITS is technologically superior Digital Cable TV distribution platform in terms of offering uninterrupted transmissions to every nuke & corner of India, irrespective of the geographical and weather conditions, unlike DTH/MSO’s.”

Elated Mr. Rajashekar, Director, Nabho Broadcasting Pvt. Ltd. shared, “We are happy to be associated with JAINHITS as they provide the partner operators and consumers with BIS certified STBs. The company offers MPEG-4 quality digital cable TV services including SD/HD channels from national, regional and International broadcasters, Broadband, and other Value added services.”

JAINHITS has partnered with ARRIS (earlier Motorola home) as its Technology Partner and IntelSat as satellite partner. JAINHITS services are available on Intelsat 902 Satellite.

About JAINHITS:

JAINHITS is a Satellite–based Digital Cable TV Distribution Platform which provides digitized and encrypted satellite TV signals directly to the Cable Network Owners. This is the only Direct-to-Network (DTN) service in India. This system has an advantage of having a centralized Conditional Access System (CAS) and Subscriber Management System (SMS). JAINHITS offers Triple Play Service throughout India – Video, Data & Voice. It delivers around 250 digital channels (including SD & HD), Broadband Services, Interactive and other Value Added Services. JAINHITS aims to build digital highways through an active network of Independent Service Operators (ISOs)/Local Cable Operators (LCOs) across the country.
 

Join the JAINHITS Community:

Follow Us on Facebook  : www.facebook.com/jainhits.dtn

Follow Us on Linkedin    : www.linkedin.com/company/jainhits

Follow Us on Twitter       : www.twitter.com/jainhits

For more information, please contact:

Syeda Beenish                                                                                               

Manager – PR                                                                                                               

NSTPL (JAINHITS)

syeda.beenish@nstpl.co.in                                                                 

Anika Wadhwa

Six Degrees PR

+91-9810648763

anikaw@sixdegreespr.co.in

Brocade (NASDAQ: BRCD), the leader in data center fabric networking solutions, today announced a new extension platform that enables enterprises to achieve significantly shorter recovery points and faster recovery times for restoring data and applications in the event of a disaster, or when performing routine backup and replication tasks over unreliable Wide Area Network (WAN) links. The new Disaster Recovery (DR) platform also extends Brocade^® Fabric Vision™ technology between data centers to automate monitoring, increase insight, and simplify troubleshooting over distance to automatically detect WAN anomalies, help ensure performance, and avoid unplanned downtime.

Enterprises today face significant challenges from the explosive growth of data and application workload traffic driven by virtualization, which is putting considerable pressure on IT to keep data highly available. According to IDC, disaster recovery requirements have become increasingly stringent for their mission-critical applications, with 84 percent of enterprises having RPOs of less than an hour and 78 percent having RTOs of less than four hours. ¹

“With stored data expected to grow at a 44 percent CAGR over the next five years, enterprises are demanding that their recovery solutions meet ever higher standards in keeping data available amid a wide variety of increasingly frequent natural and man-made disasters,” said Eric Burgener, research director for storage at IDC. “Furthermore, end users are expecting to access their data on a 7x24 basis, forcing enterprises to meet their demands for “always on” application services.”

To address these challenges and to provide near-zero downtime and continuous application availability, Brocade has expanded its Gen 5 Fibre Channel SAN portfolio with the addition of the Brocade 7840 Extension Switch, which delivers a six-fold increase in performance, along with unprecedented availability and simplified management between remote data centers. The solution also doubles the performance, at half the cost, compared to WAN optimization appliances that are often mismatched when deployed as a DR alternative.

To complement the new switch, Brocade has also extended Fabric Vision technology between data centers to provide new levels of control and visibility to pinpoint problems faster and avoid unplanned outages. This new functionality reduces the complexity and operating costs for remote data centers, helping them to achieve always-on operations with maximum application uptime.

“Managing multiple data centers is inherently complex and time-intensive,” said Jack Rondoni, vice president, Storage Networking, at Brocade. “By deploying the Brocade 7840 Extension Switch with enhanced Fabric Vision technology, organizations can create better solutions that meet or exceed their requirements and expectations for faster replication and recovery to achieve always-on operations.”

In addition, the company also announced the Brocade FC16-64, a new port blade for the Brocade DCX^® 8510 Director that provides the industry’s highest density and most energy-efficient connectivity to maximize system utilization and reduce both capital and operating costs. The new blade increases Brocade DCX 8510 scalability up to 512 Gen 5 Fibre Channel ports with a total system bandwidth of 10.2 Terabits per second (Tbps). Each blade consumes 70 percent less power compared to competitive offerings, while simultaneously increasing port density by 33 percent and reducing cabling requirements by 75 percent—greatly improving operational efficiency.

Brocade 7840 Improves Enterprise Disaster Recovery Readiness:

Furthering the company’s reputation for innovation in storage fabrics, Brocade 7840 switches offer both the industry’s first 40 Gigabits per second (Gbps) and 10 Gbps FCIP connectivity options, with data throughput speeds that are at least six times faster than competitive solutions. Brocade 7840 systems deliver an unprecedented 80 Gbps of application data throughput while securing data flows over distance with 256-bit IPsec encryption without a performance penalty.

In addition, Brocade 7840 switches significantly improve replication performance over distance using data compression and disk and tape protocol acceleration. Other advanced extension features that maximize availability and increase overall network reliability include:

· Non-disruptive Upgrades: Facilitate always-on business operations and maximize application uptime with the industry’s only WAN-side non-disruptive firmware upgrades.

· Extension Trunking: Combines multiple WAN connections into a single, logical, high-bandwidth trunk, providing active load balancing and network resilience to protect against WAN link failures.

· Adaptive Rate Limiting: Dynamically adjusts bandwidth sharing between minimum and maximum rate limits to optimize bandwidth utilization and maintain WAN performance during disruptions.

Fabric Vision Technology Enables Long-Distance Monitoring, Management, and Diagnostics:

Unique to the Brocade Fibre Channel SAN family, and now extended over distance, Fabric Vision technology is a hardware and software solution that helps enterprises accelerate new deployments, optimize resources, dramatically reduce operational costs, and overcome infrastructure complexity between data centers.

With Fabric Vision technology, administrators have new tools and automation capabilities that simplify day-to-day management tasks, increase productivity, and enable proactive monitoring of critical metrics between data centers to automatically detect WAN anomalies, help ensure performance, and avoid unplanned downtime.  

Key features for DR include:

• Monitoring and Alerting Policy Suite (MAPS): Simplifies monitoring with policy-based automation between data centers to automatically detect WAN anomalies and avoid unplanned downtime.

• Flow Vision: Accelerates troubleshooting of end-to-end I/O flows over distance with integrated diagnostics and eliminates the need for expensive third-party tools.

• Dashboards: Quickly discover and resolve WAN network issues via root-cause analysis and point-in-time playback. In addition, administrators can view all critical information from thin-client, Web-accessible dashboards, which saves significant administrative time and effort.

Availability:

The Brocade 7840 Extension Switch, extended Fabric Vision technology, and the Brocade FC16-64 port blade for the Brocade DCX 8510 will be available this calendar quarter through select Brocade OEM partners, including EMC, HDS, and others.

Partner Quotes:

“Data protection is fundamental to IT transformation and has enabled EMC customers to move backup and recovery and replication from a cost center to a business enabler. The increased performance and functionality of the Brocade 7840 is a strategic addition to our Connectrix® family that increases the overall value of the EMC Protection Storage Architecture.”

Barry Ader, Vice President, Product Marketing, EMC Corporation

“Keeping our mutual customers operating nonstop is more than just planning for disaster recovery—it's about building a resilient enterprise. With significant improvements in throughput, along with improved network control and insight, the Brocade 7840 is an ideal high-performance data center extension platform for backup and replication that will improve our customer’s data and application availability.”

Linda Xu, Vice President, Worldwide Partner Marketing, Hitachi Data Systems

About Brocade:

Brocade (NASDAQ: BRCD) networking solutions help the world’s leading organizations transition smoothly to a world where applications and information reside anywhere. (www.brocade.com)

¹“Measuring Cost of Downtime and Recovery Objectives Among US Firms,” Laura Dubois, Eric Burgener, Robert Amatruda, IDC, December 2013 (Doc. #245125)

Contact:

Six Degrees PR

Chandreyi Bandyopadhyay
Tel: +91 9902840670
chandreyib@sixdegreespr.co.in

The third and final part of the Future of Travel 2024 report highlights new destinations around the world we’ll be travelling to and predicts how travellers’ social media profiles will enable hoteliers to create a truly bespoke and intuitive experience, based on each individual’s needs and desires.

“Section III of the report focusses on a range of intuitive and embedded technologies that will be available for travellers from the second they check in to their hotels. From vitamin C showers and retinal door entry to electronic pillows that massage you to sleep and holographic personal trainers, travellers can look forward to a highly personalized experience like never before. Trips to the Earth’s orbit will be commonplace and vacations in underwater hotels will be a norm. The elusive journey has started as designers and hoteliers are already creating rooms and ambient spaces that are more interactive and conducive to changing with the mood and need of the room’s inhabitants.” said Kavitha Gnanamurthy Senior Marketing Manager, Skyscanner India.

Going Up & Going Down: Space travel and Underwater hotels

By 2024 the race for space will initially take travellers to Earth’s low orbit allowing them to experience the stunning curvature of the globe from ultra-high altitude. Looking beyond 2024, orbital travel may not simply be a matter of going up and coming back but instead travellers will be able to stay there long enough to enjoy and savour an exciting, alien environment. In the meantime for those with an appetite for space travel there are sky resorts being built that will contain zero-gravity spas, space gliders and space observatories where guests can even experience weightlessness.

Commenting on the report, Skyscanner’s Filip Filipov said, “Taking travel to space will be a ground-breaking milestone for mankind in general but what is even more exciting is the transfer of technologies that space exploration can bring to commercial aviation. A regular traveller might see a London to Sydney flight in 2.5 hours, which will make travel even easier and faster than ever before, breaking time boundaries.”

By the next ten years space tourism will become more affordable for the ultra-luxury market but journeys to the bottom of the sea will be a much more mainstream, fashionable option.

Underwater hotel rooms already exist as niche and novelty destinations such as The Neptune and Poseidon suites at the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai, but as space on land becomes more expensive, a new wave of innovators are scaling up the concept aiming to build entire resorts¹ under the waves – including spas, gardens and pools, all with aquarium style-windows allowing guests to go outside in diving gear.

The Hotel Rooms of 2024 & Hyper-Personalisation

Over the next ten years, the advances in technology will also mean that hotels will empower their guests with incredible levels of hyper-personalisation through their mobile devices to provide a tailored overnight experience. Travellers will be able to book rooms where everything from the air temperature to the strength of the power shower is set specifically for them. Hotel room walls will be fully interactive capable of playing films, showing pictures, displaying Skype calls from loved ones and even frosting up to provide private work spaces within the room.

Hotel rooms of the future will be able to take advantage of the latest technologies to provide additional comfort for guests. Pillows with embedded electronics will provide sleep-aiding massages and wake up calls, while the internal clocks of jet-lagged guests will be aided with light boxes.  Guests' skin and hair will be improved by showers offering water infused with Vitamin C while advances in 3D printing will mean that guest no longer need worry about bathroom amenities as by 2024 they will simply be able to print everything they need, including toothpaste and soap. 

New destinations to discover for the first time

Bragging rights will be a key travel motivator in 2024. As Chinese tourists flock to classic destinations such as Paris and New York, unique journey experiences that make travellers the envy of friends and family will be sought after. The emergence of ‘forbidden zones’ – areas such as Afghanistan and Iran currently deemed inaccessible by conflict – will become attractive new destinations for tourists to discover. Off the beaten track destinations such as Bhutan are already seeing an increase in interest (Skyscanner searches are up 40% YOY) but by 2024 it will have become a far more fashionable choice.

The Skyscanner report is the result of in-depth research and a series of interviews with a team of 56-strong trend experts and futurologists. The full report can be read or downloaded at www.skyscanner2024.com and also includes sections one and two launched earlier this year which look at how emerging technologies will change the way we book holidays as well as the impact on airports and the flight experience. To contribute to the conversation use #FutureOfTravel.

Notes to editors:

¹ The Water Discus Hotel in Dubai is the first of the new breed. Due to open in 2015, it will be built 9metre below sea level with aquarium-style windows in 21 suites and facilities that will allow guests to go outside in diving gear. Containing a spa, garden and pool, the hotel will be able to rotate under water and rise to the surface in as little as 15 minutes in emergencies.

About Skyscanner :

• Skyscanner is a leading global travel search site offering a truly comprehensive, free flight search service as well as instant online comparisons for hotels and car hire.

• Founded in 2003, Skyscanner receives over 25 million unique visitors each month.

• Skyscanner is optimised worldwide and is available in 30 languages.

• Skyscanner’s highly-rated free mobile apps are available on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and Windows 8 devices and have been downloaded over 30 million times.

• The privately-owned company employs over 400 staff and has its global headquarters in Edinburgh with offices in Glasgow, Singapore, Beijing, Barcelona and Miami. For more information visit www.skyscanner.net

This report has been created in partnership with The Future Laboratory.

Media Contacts: Edelman India

Nikita Verma

+91 9810711548

Nikita.verma@edelman.com

Surbhi Sharma

+91 9999090098

Surbhi.sharma@edelman.com