Latest news with #IndianSpaceAssociation
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Space-tech companies get an opening as India seeks more eyes in the sky
After Operation Sindoor , there is a growing push to enhance India's satellite-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Lt Gen AK Bhatt (Retd), Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), told ET that while India currently operates around 10–11 defence satellites , mostly from the Cartosat and RISAT series which are one of the bests—"revisit times are long," and there is an urgent need for more satellites to ensure persistent coverage. "The Space Based Surveillance (SBS-III) program is critical, but with a 4–5 year timeline, there's pressure to fast-track it and reduce dependence on foreign or commercial satellite data after the escalations between the two countries," Bhatt said who was also former director general of military operation (DGMO), who oversaw the Doklam crisis. He added that the upcoming 52 satellites under SBS-III will be owned and operated by India, offering real-time access to imagery from both low Earth and geostationary orbits. The private sector will play a big role in the surveillance program as 31 satellites will be made by three firms. The remaining 21 will come from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Experts said accurate satellite imagery plays a critical role in identifying enemy locations, planning operations, and confirming if the target has hit the intended spot. It serves as a reliable layer of intelligence even during active conflicts, complementing drones and ground-based radars, they explained.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Space-tech companies get an opening as India seeks more eyes in the sky
After Operation Sindoor , there is a growing push to enhance India's satellite-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Lt Gen AK Bhatt (Retd), Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), told ET that while India currently operates around 10–11 defence satellites , mostly from the Cartosat and RISAT series which are one of the bests—"revisit times are long," and there is an urgent need for more satellites to ensure persistent coverage. "The Space Based Surveillance (SBS-III) program is critical, but with a 4–5 year timeline, there's pressure to fast-track it and reduce dependence on foreign or commercial satellite data after the escalations between the two countries," Bhatt said who was also former director general of military operation (DGMO), who oversaw the Doklam crisis. He added that the upcoming 52 satellites under SBS-III will be owned and operated by India, offering real-time access to imagery from both low Earth and geostationary orbits. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Air conditioners without external unit. (click to see prices) Air Condition | Search Ads Search Now Undo ETtech The private sector will play a big role in the surveillance program as 31 satellites will be made by three firms. The remaining 21 will come from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Live Events Experts said accurate satellite imagery plays a critical role in identifying enemy locations, planning operations, and confirming if the target has hit the intended spot. It serves as a reliable layer of intelligence even during active conflicts, complementing drones and ground-based radars, they explained. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
TRAI satcom spectrum pricing balances need for govt revenue & satellite services affordability: ISpA
Indian Space Association ( ISpA ) on Friday said TRAI 's recommendations on pricing of satellite spectrum balances the need for government revenue with the imperative to keep satellite services affordable and accessible along with a level-playing field. The industry body lauded the regulator for its "forward-looking approach" and "clarity" in the ongoing spectrum assignment process for satellite-based communication services. "The proposed framework for spectrum charges in the TRAI recommendations balances the need for government revenue with the imperative to keep satellite services affordable and accessible along with a level-playing field," ISpA said in a statement. The association said it looks forward to continued collaboration with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and all stakeholders to realise the full potential of satellite communications in India. It exuded confidence that these progressive measures will contribute significantly to a digitally inclusive and connected nation. "We welcome TRAI for its forward-looking approach and clarity in the ongoing spectrum assignment process for satellite-based communication services. The Administrative Allocation of Satellite Spectrum enables shared access, fosters competition, and ensures maximum efficiency in spectrum utilisation-objectives that are critical for the growth of India's satellite ecosystem and for bridging the digital divide," A K Bhatt, Director General, Indian Space Association (ISpA) said. Telecom regulator TRAI on Friday recommended that satellite communication companies like Starlink pay 4% of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) as spectrum charges to the government -- a rate steeper than what these firms had been lobbying for. Operators offering satellite-based broadband internet services in urban areas would have to shell out an additional ₹500 per subscribers annually, TRAI said in its recommendations to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). No additional levy would be applicable for services in rural areas. Besides the spectrum pricing, an 8% licence fee levy would also be applicable for these players, TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti said. The spectrum rates recommended by TRAI is steeper than what satcom companies have been lobbying for. Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon Inc's subsidiary Kuiper Systems had during consultations with the TRAI urged it to keep spectrum charge below 1% of AGR with no other charge. The TRAI recommended that satellite broadband spectrum be allotted for five years, which can be extended by another two years.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
TRAI satcom spectrum pricing balances need for govt revenue & satellite services affordability: ISpA
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Indian Space Association (ISpA) on Friday said TRAI's recommendations on pricing of satellite spectrum balances the need for government revenue with the imperative to keep satellite services affordable and accessible along with a level-playing field. The industry body lauded the regulator for its "forward-looking approach" and "clarity" in the ongoing spectrum assignment process for satellite-based communication services."The proposed framework for spectrum charges in the TRAI recommendations balances the need for government revenue with the imperative to keep satellite services affordable and accessible along with a level-playing field," ISpA said in a association said it looks forward to continued collaboration with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and all stakeholders to realise the full potential of satellite communications in exuded confidence that these progressive measures will contribute significantly to a digitally inclusive and connected nation."We welcome TRAI for its forward-looking approach and clarity in the ongoing spectrum assignment process for satellite-based communication services. The Administrative Allocation of Satellite Spectrum enables shared access, fosters competition, and ensures maximum efficiency in spectrum utilisation-objectives that are critical for the growth of India's satellite ecosystem and for bridging the digital divide," A K Bhatt, Director General, Indian Space Association (ISpA) regulator TRAI on Friday recommended that satellite communication companies like Starlink pay 4 per cent of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) as spectrum charges to the government -- a rate steeper than what these firms had been lobbying offering satellite-based broadband internet services in urban areas would have to shell out an additional Rs 500 per subscribers annually, TRAI said in its recommendations to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). No additional levy would be applicable for services in rural the spectrum pricing, an 8 per cent licence fee levy would also be applicable for these players, TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti spectrum rates recommended by TRAI is steeper than what satcom companies have been lobbying for. Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon Inc's subsidiary Kuiper Systems had during consultations with the TRAI urged it to keep spectrum charge below 1 per cent of AGR with no other TRAI recommended that satellite broadband spectrum be allotted for five years, which can be extended by another two years.
