Technology Clusters as Power Engines of Space 2.0

Abstract

The Indian space programme run by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) covers the full spectrum of space activity—from the design, fabrication, and launch of satellites to inter-planetary scientific missions. Traditionally, the space agency has collaborated with industry for the supply of components, subsystems, fuel, ground equipment, etc. Both the public sector and private industry have played a vital role in supplies to ISRO in developmental as well as operational phases. Under an emerging policy framework for greater involvement of the private sector in space activities, the role of the private sector is set to change from that of a vendor-supplier to being a collaborator and user of ISRO. The policy change is in response to shifts in the space sector to smaller satellites, constellations, and decentralized, micro applications. New materials, digital and manufacturing technologies, and miniaturization are facilitating this shift globally. In India, such a shift would require new partnerships, novel ways of technology development, as well as the development of space technology clusters. A set of new government policies to boost production in aerospace and defense sectors have started helping shape such clusters. Space activity will be a key part of such aerospace hubs and clusters. The Software Technology Parks of India scheme and biotech clusters such as the Genome Valley in Hyderabad could serve as a possible model for the development of space clusters. Given their strengths in science and engineering research, favorable startup ecosystems, and industrial infrastructure, a handful of Indian cities are frontrunners to host such clusters. Cities with techno-industrial complexes such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Trivandrum, Ahmedabad, and Pune emerge as natural choices for space clusters, whereas others such as Chennai, Mysore, and Dehradun hold promise. This article discusses the historical trajectory of centers of space activity in India; it explores the scope for the development of space clusters and the challenges ahead.