The Indian space economy is currently valued at approximately Rs 6,700 crore ($8.4 billion), accounting for a 2 per cent share of the global space economy. Estimates by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) suggest that by 2033, India’s space economy could soar to Rs 35,200 crore ($44 billion), commanding nearly 8 per cent of the global share.
Clint Crosier, Director of Aerospace and Satellite at AWS, expressed optimism about India’s spacetech landscape, noting a surge in space startups in the country over the past year. He attributed this growth to favorable government policies, increased investments, and the nation’s aim to quadruple its share of the global space industry.
In September, AWS inked a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and IN-SPACe to bolster space-tech innovations through cloud computing. This collaboration aims to provide space startups, research institutions, and students with access to advanced cloud technologies, expediting the development of new solutions in the space sector.
Shalini Kapoor, Director and Chief Technologist of Public Sector at AWS India and South Asia, underscored the significance of this collaboration, expressing AWS’s commitment to supporting Indian customers in building space-tech solutions for the betterment of life on Earth.
This collaborative effort aligns with the Indian Space Policy of 2023, which outlines a strategic roadmap for the growth and advancement of India’s space program.
Crosier highlighted AWS’s engagement with a range of stakeholders in India’s space sector, from fledgling startups to government organizations. He mentioned the partnership with SatSure, a company utilizing space-based data and geospatial analytics to aid climate management decisions within the government.
SatSure leverages AWS cloud infrastructure to process large volumes of data and derive real-time insights, showcasing the potential of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning in the space domain.
With over 140 registered space-tech startups, India is poised to revolutionize humanity’s engagement with space. Startups like Skyroot Aerospace, Dhruva Space, and Pixxel are at the forefront, closely collaborating with ISRO to capitalize on the growing demand for small satellites in low-earth orbits.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in June, the White House emphasized the need for enhanced commercial collaboration between the US and Indian private sectors across the entire space economy value chain.
Crosier, reflecting on his recent visit to India, noted the burgeoning momentum in the spacetech sector. AWS remains committed to engaging with Indian startups, leveraging cloud-based tools and capabilities to address their challenges and foster innovation in the space domain.
