CIOInsider India Magazine
AWS' Cloud Technologies are on the Forefront to Advance India's Space Capabilities
AWS collaboration has recently been one of the most popular topics. It empowers the clients by assisting them in growing their enterprises by exploiting the cloud's size, security, and flexibility. AWS' collaboration with the Canalys technology organization has become the most popular relationship these days, and it is the best illustration of a successful collaboration. According to reports, global partners generated a multiple for every dollar of AWS income based on their activities, cloud maturity, and business strategies.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) India Private Limited has now inked a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) to assist space-tech advancements via cloud computing. According to reports, the agreement will provide space companies, research institutes, and students with access to cutting-edge cloud technology, accelerating the development of new space solutions.
Building Solutions for Pressing Problems
“Cloud computing-led innovations enable the space industry to make better decisions, faster pushing the boundaries of possibilities, and AWS is committed to help startups identify use cases and accelerate solution development, and build a strong talent pool in India with expertise in cloud and space. We look forward to helping customers in India build space-tech solutions to make life on Earth better. We are at a pivotal time in India’s space journey as the Indian government focuses on broadening and strengthening the country’s capabilities in the aerospace and satellite industry,” says Shalini Kapoor, Director and Chief Technologist, Public Sector, AWS India and South Asia.
By using AWS education programs, the three organizations will also work on a new project to train students and educators in cloud computing, AI, ML, analytics, and security
AWS' cloud computing educational programs, along with ISRO's space-tech expertise, will motivate future generations to pursue a career in India's expanding space sector. Advancing innovation in the space industry is a primary goal for our country since geospatial technologies have the potential to provide high-quality services for good governance to citizens while also adding value to stakeholders.
Sudheer Kumar N, Director, Capacity Building and Public Outreach, ISRO says, “Cloud computing provides the rapid administration of enormous numbers of raw space data, as well as the execution of AI, ML, and analytics applications to deliver meaningful results in a cost-effective manner.”
Supporting India’s Space Priorities
ISRO, IN-SPACe and AWS are planning to work together to develop and grow the space-tech startup community. Through the AWS Activate program, AWS will provide eligible space businesses with free tools, resources, and expert technical assistance. This will allow startups to create innovative solutions and commercialize them more quickly. Through the AWS Space Accelerator program, startups will also gain access to AWS and its global experience in designing aeronautical and satellite technologies.
“Following the Chandrayaan-3 moon landing and the Aditya L-1 mission, it is time to tap into the boundless potential of space technology and cloud computing to catapult India's space sector to new heights. IN-SPACe has worked tirelessly to empower and enable the private space sector. This collaboration with AWS is proof of that, and we hope to use it to empower start-ups, students, and academics to dream big, drive innovation, and contribute to the global space sector.,” says Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe.
By using AWS education programs, the three organizations will also work on a new project to train students and educators in cloud computing, AI, ML, analytics, and security. This project would allow students to obtain industry-recognized cloud computing certifications and create future space enterprises in India using cutting-edge technologies.
Indian Space Policy, 2023: A Catalyst for Growth
The three-way partnership follows the Government of India's recent ratification of the Indian Space Policy, 2023. The strategy establishes a strategic framework for the expansion and development of India's space program and objectives. The availability of low-latency internet, high-resolution Earth observation data, and Internet of Things connectivity is enabling startups, scientists, and researchers to innovate at scale by leveraging cloud computing, data, AI, and machine learning.
The Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) finally published the Space Policy 2023 two weeks after union minister of state (MoS) for space, science, and technology Jitendra Singh announced Cabinet approval. The policy formally lays out the regulations for privatizing space missions in India, as well as specific operational directions for ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (Nsil), and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe).
Indian consumers of space technology or services (such as communication, remote sensing, data services, launch services, and so on), whether from the public or private sectors, shall be free to obtain them directly from any source, whether private or public. IN-SPACe, the nodal private space project authorization agency, has been tasked with maintaining a stable and predictable regulatory framework to ensure a level playing field to non-government entities (NGEs) in the space sector.
Corporate enterprises and startups are examples of NGEs in the space sector they will be allowed to undertake end-to-end activities in space. Thus, private startups can provide satellite communication services, operate on-ground mission control centers, launch their own satellites into orbit, set up and commercially run privately-owned remote satellite services, work on space safety projects, and engage in the commercial recovery of an asteroid resource or a space resource.
IN-SPACe will continue to play its prior role of approving commercial space companies to manufacture, launch, and operate satellites, rockets, and ground stations. It will also encourage the establishment of manufacturing and incubation hubs, similar to the Space System Design Labs.
While ISRO is responsible for space research, Nsil will handle commercial launch contracts utilizing Isro-developed spacecraft. IN-SPACe will also handle technology transfer requests, allowing commercial space enterprises to utilize ISRO owned space facilities such as rocket engine test centers. The Space Policy 2023 is completely suitable in terms of what the sector need right now. It formally codifies all of India's efforts to promote private space entrepreneurs over the last three years, and it will serve as an effective framework for providing the sector a formal structure.
