Indian Space Conclave 2023: Shaping the Future of Space

The Indian Space Association today announced the 2nd edition of the Indian Space Conclave 2023, a premier annual event scheduled to take place from 9^th-11^th October 2023 at the Manekshaw Center in New Delhi.

The annual three-day event is dedicated to nurturing innovation, collaboration, and forging strategic partnerships within the rapidly evolving space sector. Commencing with the inaugural day in collaboration with the French Embassy, the spotlight will be on the Indo-French Space Synergy plenary session, featuring esteemed dignitaries from the French space industry. Subsequent days will delve into crucial topics such as Communication, Global Diplomacy, and offer insights into user ministries and capacity development. The second day is themed around Space Communication & Readiness for Next-Gen Challenges, with a strong emphasis on discussions pertaining to the communication aspect of the space sector. Moving on to the third day, the focus will be on the Space Ecosystem for Societal Benefit & Global Diplomacy, featuring pivotal sessions in partnership with IN-SPACe and a significant dialogue regarding the Development of Space Parks in India. The conclave will also include a diverse range of stimulating discussions, including joint collaborative sessions organized with the Office of PSA.

The event will bear witness to several significant initiatives such as felicitation of industry and academic stakeholders involved in Chandrayaan-3, the launch of the ISpA-nasscom SpaceTech report, Defence Space Challenges (IAF) Award Ceremony, ISpA Industry Awards felicitation along with other discussions and sessions.

Anticipating a substantial turnout of over 750 delegates across the three days, the event will host a remarkable lineup of over 140 speakers, representing 27 companies from France, 75+ foreign delegates, 25+ exhibitors, more than 20 sessions, and 25+ supporting and academia partners, hailing from over 5 countries.

The conclave is expected to be graced by eminent dignitaries from the government over the course of the three-day affair. Notable figures in attendance will include Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways; Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State of Space, Science, and Technology; Shri Devusinh Chauhan, Hon’ble Minister for State for Communications; Shri Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Chairman DCC & Secretary(T), DoT; Shri S Somanath, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO; Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of Air Staff; Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe; Lt. Gen. MU Nair, National Cybersecurity Coordinator; Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief Nodal Officer for the UPDIC project and, Shri AS Kiran Kumar, Member Space Commission and Former Secy DoS & Chairman, ISRO and many others.

Moreover, the conclave is also expected to feature distinguished speakers from various the French space industry including Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India; Marc Serres, CEO, Luxembourg Space Agency; Astronaut Thomas Pesquet from ESA; Cédric Post, Deputy Director International, European and Commercial Affairs, GIFAS.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd.), Director General of the Indian Space Association, remarked, “We are delighted to present the 2nd edition of the Indian Space Conclave which serves as a crucial forum where leaders convene to explore the potential of space in shaping a better future for all, delving into its depths of collaborations and innovations happening in the space sector. We are also eager to explore the burgeoning Indo-France synergies that promise to bring forth fresh ideas and advancements in the realm of space exploration. Building on the success of the previous year, the second edition of the Indian Space Conclave 2023 promises to be even grander, and we look forward to continued participation from various government and industry stakeholders in our collective endeavor to position space as a potent and promising sector for the global market.”

The conclave will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and workshops covering a wide spectrum of topics, including India's space program and its visionary outlook, encompassing manufacturing, the pivotal role of space in sustainable development, emerging technologies and innovations in space tech, their applications in disaster management, space exploration, human spaceflight, and international cooperation in space security.