STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced here today that India is set to launch the European Union’s Proba-3 Space Satellite by India in the first week of December, marking another milestone in its burgeoning role as a global space leader.
Disclosing this while speaking at the “India Space Conclave 3.0” , Dr Jitendra said, this underscores the deepening partnership between India and the EU in space research and exploration. This mission, aimed at observing the Sun, signifies both nations’ commitment to advancing scientific knowledge while reinforcing the reputation of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a trusted partner in international space missions. The Proba-3 satellite, which arrived this morning at Sriharikota, is aimed at observing the Sun and reflects a new level of equal collaboration between India and other major space powers.
The Proba-3 satellite will be India’s third such launch for the EU, with previous missions supporting the Proba-1 and Proba-2 satellites. However, this mission is unique in its focus on solar observation. Dr. Jitendra Singh explained that Proba-3 will provide valuable insights into solar corona dynamics, adding to ISRO’s portfolio of ambitious scientific ventures, which recently included the groundbreaking Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission. “India and Europe are together reaching out to the Sun,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighting the symbolism and science of this mission.
The Conclave also provided a platform for recognizing India’s startup ecosystem in space technology. “Only a few years ago, we had just a handful of space-focused startups,” Dr. Jitendra Singh remarked. “Today, there are over 300, fuelling an entire industry and creating jobs across the country.” This surge in startups has not only curbed the historic brain drain but has also attracted Indian talent back from abroad, particularly from agencies like NASA, which previously drew many of India’s brightest space scientists.
In his address, EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Herve Delphin, emphasized the significance of the Indo-European partnership in space, describing India as a “cost-effective, dynamic space power of the first order.” Commending India’s achievements, including the recent success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, Mr. Delphin stated that the European Union views India as a natural ally in the realm of space exploration and innovation. He highlighted that both the EU and India are consolidating their roles as influential space powers, sharing a mutual interest in the peaceful use of space and a commitment to tackling pressing global issues, such as climate change and cyber security, through space-based solutions.
Ambassador Delphin also outlined the EU’s ambition to further strengthen this collaboration, proposing joint initiatives in Earth observation, training, and space security, areas where both regions have complementary strengths. He pointed to existing partnerships, like India’s collaboration with the EU’s Copernicus Earth observation program, as a foundation for deeper integration. With plans underway to expand cooperation in space security, Mr. Delphin expressed optimism for advancing space governance and responsible practices on a global scale, adding that the upcoming 2025 EU-India Summit in Delhi will serve as a pivotal opportunity to build upon this shared vision.
Looking ahead, India’s space program has ambitious goals. The upcoming human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, and plans for a future lunar landing by 2040 reflect India’s determination to be at the forefront of space innovation. The nation is also exploring future missions to establish its own space station by 2035, which would further assert India’s place in the global space landscape. Additionally, with a vision for space tourism by 2040, India’s strategy is now as forward-looking as it is inclusive, with plans to engage private companies and international entities at every stage of its space exploration journey.
During the event, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled SPADE, an innovative product developed by Suhora Technologies, and presented the prestigious ISpA Space Industry Awards. Following the inaugural session, he toured exhibition stalls featuring cutting-edge space products, engaging with dignitaries and showcasing India’s advancements in space technology.