At the Global AI Summit 2024 held at Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), a panel discussion featuring Shri Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary of ITE&C, Government of Telangana, brought together two leaders in India’s burgeoning space sector: Sanjay Nekkanti, CEO of Druva Space, and Bharat Daka, Co-founder of Skyroot Aerospace. They shared their insights into the transformative developments happening in space technology, its applications, and the exciting intersection of public and private sector initiatives.
Integrating Space Industry Pillars
For decades, the space industry was compartmentalized, with launch companies focused solely on vehicles, satellite companies on satellite construction, and ground segment companies on earth stations. However, as the demand for launching numerous satellites grows, these sectors have begun to converge. Sanjay expressed pride in India’s capabilities, noting that a majority of the components in these three pillars are now designed, developed, and manufactured within the country.
Bharat further elaborated on the impressive strides made since Skyroot’s inception in 2018. They successfully developed a storable engine and a fully 3D-printed cryogenic engine, marking significant milestones in private sector capabilities in India. In November 2022, they became the first private company in India and all of South Asia to launch a rocket into space, underscoring the rapid evolution of the industry amid recent space reforms.
Harnessing Space for Humanity
The conversation transitioned to the broader implications of space technology on quality of life. Both leaders emphasized that common applications, like GPS and weather monitoring, are already integral to daily life. They highlighted the role of Earth observation data, particularly from ISRO, which significantly aids the fishing community and enhances agricultural practices, saving billions of dollars annually through informed decision-making.
Additionally, they discussed the burgeoning field of space communications. With the emergence of satellite broadband from companies like SpaceX and OneWeb, high-speed internet access is expected to expand dramatically, especially in remote areas. This evolution will not only facilitate remote work but also enhance connectivity for millions globally.
Technological Innovations and AI Applications
As the discussion progressed, the integration of AI in space technology came into focus. Sanjay noted the transformative potential of AI, particularly in improving engineering processes through physics-informed neural networks. These advanced AI applications can drastically reduce the time required for complex simulations, optimizing the development and manufacturing of space technologies.
Bharat highlighted how Druva Space is leveraging data from over 260 satellites to create tools that provide real-time insights for various sectors, including agriculture and disaster response. While their work with AI is still evolving, they are exploring collaborations with other industries to enhance spacecraft manufacturing processes.
The Future of Space Exploration
Finally, the conversation touched on the intriguing prospects of human colonization of other planets. While permanent settlements may still be decades away, both leaders believe that space tourism will become a reality within the next decade, making space travel accessible to more people. With ongoing advancements in technology and decreasing costs, the dream of living beyond Earth is closer than ever.
As Sanjay Nekkanti and Bharat Daka continue to innovate and push the boundaries of space technology in India, their insights provide a glimpse into a future where space exploration is not just a fantasy, but a tangible reality for generations to come.
