Latest news with #GlobalSpaceExplorationConference2025
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NASA misses its representation at the space summit in Delhi; here's why
The Global Space Exploration Conference 2025 , which was conducted in New Delhi on Wednesday, saw a record attendance, with representatives from thirty-five nations, top space agency officials such as China, Japan, Canada, and Europe, more than 1,700 representatives, and ten astronauts representing different countries or agencies. Yet, something highly crucial was absent from the event—presence from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Operation Sindoor Pahalgam payback continues: Operation Sindoor Day 2 keeps Pakistan on edge Military attack by Pakistan will be met with 'very firm response': S Jaishankar Fake news alert: Government fact checks 'Pak propaganda' on Operation Sindoor The non-attendance by NASA to this prestigious event was under question, particularly in light of the agency's participation history in such events. NASA's missing representation at GLEX 2025 in Delhi The lack of NASA's participation at GLEX 2025, according to the official account, was due to budget reasons. Committee organizers, interviewed anonymously, confirmed that at least a dozen scientists and astronauts from NASA were supposed to participate in the conference. But the failure of the agency to raise funds for accommodation and travel made them unable to attend. This is a big departure from earlier GLEX editions, where NASA had a leading role in deliberations on international space exploration. The failure of NASA to attend can also be attributed to larger political and fiscal changes in the United States. Not long after the swearing-in of Donald Trump this year, his government rolled out a series of budget reductions which have been quite tough on NASA. The proposed budget outlines a 24% reduction in NASA's overall funding, decreasing it from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion. One aspect of the cuts was the harsh slashing of the fiscal year 2026 budget, and cancelling or delaying certain current space missions, such as the Mars Sample Return mission. These economic challenges have challenged NASA's future and made the agency unable to offer its staff the chance to attend global events such as GLEX. India's historic GLEX 2025 and the consequences of NASA's absence The 2025 GLEX was a historic conference for India as it hosted the conference for the first time ever. The conference had a record number of participants and countries involved, making the record for the global conference. Hosting the event, India, in conjunction with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was a demonstration of how far the country has climbed in stature in the world of space exploration. Not having NASA only stifled the conference from being less of a forum for discussion, collaboration, and innovation in space exploration. NASA Transition Period: Representation Impact One of the insiders from the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) who participated in the planning observed that the no-show by NASA was also attributed to the agency being in a state of transition. This accounted for leadership change and absence of some of the department heads, and thus representation of NASA to the conference was not maximized. These internal reorganizations, along with budgetary issues, caused the agency's failure to attend what would otherwise have been a significant international meeting. NASA's role in space exploration and the consequences of missing GLEX 2025 NASA has been at the forefront of space exploration for a long time, and it has placed itself at the forefront of pathfinder missions and planetary exploration for over a half-century. The agency's involvement in Moon, Mars, and beyond missions has placed it on a high level of prestige within the global space community. Though its absence from GLEX 2025 could have been a financial and logistical burden, NASA's heritage continues to be a critical factor in the future of space exploration. The current fiscal constraints, however, underscore the necessity of continued investment and support for the agency's continued efforts toward global space activities. NASA's no-show at GLEX 2025 is a chilling reminder of prevailing financial and political troubles that affect prime space agencies. Although the success of India in organizing the conference speaks well of India's growing position in space exploration, NASA's absence says volumes about maintaining sustained support and funding towards global space collaborations. With the age of space exploration continuing to unfold, it will become important to tackle the financial and institutional issues that threaten to discourage large space agencies' participation in international discussion forums. Also Read | ISRO performs space 'dogfight' with twin satellites 500km above Earth, showcasing advanced orbital control
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Business Standard
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India to launch 52 spy satellites over next five years: INSPACe chairman
India will put in orbit a constellation of 52 satellites over the next five years to step up space-based surveillance capabilities, Pawan Kumar Goenka, chairman, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) said on Wednesday. He said the move will see strong participation from the private sector. Speaking to PTI on the sidelines of the Global Space Exploration Conference 2025 here, Goenka said, "We have fairly strong capabilities already. It is just that it needs constant enhancement." He said the plan is intended at increasing surveillance capabilities of the defence sector. "So far, this was primarily done by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). We will bring in the private sector as we move forward," he said. The satellites will help the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force track enemy movements, monitor borders, and improve real-time coordination during military operations. "The private sector will deliver half of the 52 satellites, while the rest will be built by ISRO," said Goenka, who heads the space sector regulator and promoter. Goenka, however, clarified that the decisions to further enhance the surveillance capabilities will have to be taken by the Union Home Ministry and the defence forces. He said ISRO is also in the process of transferring the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to the private sector. The SSLV is developed to launch small satellites into low earth orbit at a shorter notice, a key capability required by the defence forces in times of emergencies. They are capable of launching satellites weighing 10-500 kilograms into a 500 kilometre circular orbit. The design drivers of SSLV are low cost, low turnaround time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, launch on demand feasibility, and minimal launch infrastructure requirements. "The transfer of SSLV technology is imminent now," Goenka said, indicating that it may be announced over the next fortnight.
Economic Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
India to launch 52 spy satellites over next five years: INSPACe chairman
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel India will put in orbit a constellation of 52 satellites over the next five years to step up space-based surveillance capabilities Pawan Kumar Goenka , chairman, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre ( IN-SPACe ) said on Wednesday. He said the move will see strong participation from the private to PTI on the sidelines of the Global Space Exploration Conference 2025 here, Goenka said, "We have fairly strong capabilities already. It is just that it needs constant enhancement."He said the plan is intended at increasing surveillance capabilities of the defence sector."So far, this was primarily done by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). We will bring in the private sector as we move forward," he satellites will help the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force track enemy movements, monitor borders, and improve real-time coordination during military operations."The private sector will deliver half of the 52 satellites, while the rest will be built by ISRO," said Goenka, who heads the space sector regulator and however, clarified that the decisions to further enhance the surveillance capabilities will have to be taken by the Union Home Ministry and the defence said ISRO is also in the process of transferring the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to the private SSLV is developed to launch small satellites into low earth orbit at a shorter notice, a key capability required by the defence forces in times of emergencies. They are capable of launching satellites weighing 10-500 kilograms into a 500 kilometre circular design drivers of SSLV are low cost, low turnaround time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, launch on demand feasibility, and minimal launch infrastructure requirements."The transfer of SSLV technology is imminent now," Goenka said, indicating that it may be announced over the next fortnight.
Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
India's space programme empowering citizens, world: PM Modi
India's space programme is not just about scientific exploration but also about empowering its citizens and helping its economic and social development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a pre-recorded message at the Global Space Exploration Conference 2025 on Wednesday. The Prime Minister's video message for the conference, being held in New Delhi from May 7 to 9, came hours after India carried out military strikes at multiple terrorist targets in Pakistan in an early morning raid. The pre-recorded message, addressing the delegates of the conference, obviously did not have any reference to this morning's actions. 'For India, space is about exploration as well as about empowerment. It empowers governance, enhances livelihoods and inspires generations. From fishermen alerts to (data for) Gatishakti platform, from railway safety to weather forecasting, our satellites look out for the welfare of every Indian,' Modi said. 'India's space journey is not about racing (with) others. It is about reaching higher together. Together, we share a common goal to explore space for the good of humanity. We launched a satellite for the south Asian nations. Now, the G20 satellite mission, announced during our presidency, will be a gift to the global South,' he said. Modi said India's space programme had a string of major achievements that could be utilised for the benefit of the world as a whole. 'From launching a small rocket in 1963 to becoming the first nation to land near the South Pole of the Moon, our journey has been remarkable. Our rockets carry more than (just) payloads. They carry the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians. India's achievements are significant scientific milestones. Beyond that, they are proof that human spirit can defy gravity,' he said. 'India made history by reaching Mars on its first attempt in 2014. Chandrayaan -1 helped discover water on the Moon, Chandrayaan-22 gave us highest resolution images of the Moon, Chandrayaan-3 increased our understanding of the lunar South Pole. We built cryogenic engines in record time. We launched 100 satellites in a single mission. We have launched over 400 satellites for 34 nations on our launch vehicles. This year, we docked two satellites in space, a major step forward,' Modi said. 'We continue to march ahead with renewed confidence pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. Our first human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan highlights our natin's rising aspirations. In coming weeks, an Indian astronaut will travel to space as part of a joint ISRO -NASA mission to the International Space Station. By 2035, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station will open new frontiers in research and global cooperation. By 2040, Indian footprints will be on the moon. Mars and Venus are also on our radar,' he said. The Prime Minister said Indian space companies were in the process of building world class technologies and had revitalised the space sector. 'Today, India has over 250 space startups. They are contributing to cutting edge advancement in satellite technology, propulsion systems, imaging and much more. It is even more inspiring that many of our missions are being led by women scientists,' he said. 'We strive not just for our own growth but to enrich global knowledge, address common challenges, and inspire future generations,' he said.
New Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
‘Gaganyaan' mission has entered final phase: Singh
NEW DELHI: India's maiden human space mission, 'Gaganyaan', has entered its final phase and may become a reality in 2027 following years of dedicated efforts by the country's space scientists, according to Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh. Addressing the media on the eve of the first-of-its-kind Global Space Exploration Conference 2025, the minister confirmed that the first human spaceflight under the Gaganyaan programme is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. The minister announced that the mission's first uncrewed test flight is expected later this year, with two more missions planned for 2026.
