Amazon Web Services (AWS) India Private Limited has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) to bolster space-tech innovations by leveraging the power of cloud computing.
This collaborative effort is set to provide a significant boost to space startups, research institutions, and students, granting them access to cutting-edge cloud technologies that can expedite the development of groundbreaking solutions within the space sector.
Shalini Kapoor, Director and Chief Technologist, Public Sector, AWS India and South Asia, emphasized the role of cloud computing in driving innovation within the space industry. She stated, “Cloud computing-led innovations enable the space industry to make better decisions, faster – pushing the boundaries of possibilities, and AWS is committed to helping startups identify use cases and accelerate solution development, and build a strong talent pool in India with expertise in cloud and space. We look forward to helping customers in India build space-tech solutions to make life on Earth better.”
This collaboration is unfolding at a pivotal moment in India’s space journey, as the Indian government places a heightened focus on expanding and strengthening the nation’s capabilities in the aerospace and satellite sector.
AWS’s educational programs in cloud computing, combined with ISRO’s space-tech prowess, are poised to inspire and cultivate the interest of future generations, encouraging them to pursue careers in India’s burgeoning space sector.
One of the key advantages of cloud computing is its ability to rapidly process vast amounts of raw space data while efficiently running AI, ML, and analytics workloads, all in a cost-effective manner.
ISRO, IN-SPACe, and AWS have united to foster and nurture the startup community in the space-tech sector. Through the AWS Activate program, eligible space startups will receive valuable tools, resources, and expert technical support at no cost. This will empower startups to innovate and commercialize their solutions more expeditiously. Additionally, startups will gain access to AWS and tap into its global expertise in building aerospace and satellite solutions through the AWS Space Accelerator program.
Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director of the Promotion Directorate at IN-SPACe, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, especially in light of India’s recent milestones in space exploration. He stated, “After the Chandrayaan-3 moon landing and Aditya L-1 mission, it is time we leverage the limitless potential of space technology and cloud computing to propel India’s space sector to new heights. IN-SPACe has continuously been striving to empower and facilitate the private space sector. This partnership with AWS is a testament to that, and through this, we aim to empower start-ups, students, and researchers to dream beyond the skies, drive innovation, and contribute to the global space industry.”
This tripartite collaboration follows the recent approval of the Indian Space Policy, 2023, by the Government of India, which provides a strategic roadmap for the growth and development of India’s space program and ambitions.
With the availability of low-latency internet, high-resolution Earth observation data, and Internet of Things (IoT) communications, opportunities are emerging for startups, scientists, and researchers to innovate at scale, leveraging cloud computing, data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML).
