AWS Partners With ISRO And IN-SPACe To Boost India’s Space Tech Ecosystem

Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world’s leading cloud computing platform, has announced its plans to invest $12.7 billion in India’s space sector over the next 10 years. AWS aims to provide cloud capabilities and skills training to space tech startups and organizations in India, as well as foster innovation and collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).

AWS collaborates with ISRO and IN-SPACe

AWS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ISRO and IN-SPACe, the two main agencies responsible for India’s space activities. The MoU will enable AWS to support ISRO and IN-SPACe in their missions and projects, as well as help them grow the space geospatial ecosystem in India. AWS will also work with ISRO and IN-SPACe to introduce STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education into the space industry.

Clint Corsier, AWS’ Director of Aerospace and Satellite Solutions, said that ISRO was a very enthusiastic partner and that they shared a common vision of developing the space sector in India. He also praised India’s achievements in space, such as the Chandrayaan 3 mission, the Gaganyaan mission, and the new space policy that aims to increase India’s share of the global space market from 2% to 8%.

AWS empowers Indian space tech startups

AWS is also partnering with several Indian space tech startups that are involved in various aspects of space technology, such as hyperspectral satellite systems, space situational awareness, satellite manufacturing, and rocket design and launch. Some of these startups are Pixxel, Digantara, Dhruva Space, and Skyroot.

Pixxel is creating a hyperspectral satellite system for continuous global monitoring. Digantara is developing a space-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA) system. Dhruva Space is building small satellites for various applications. Skyroot is designing and launching rockets for small satellites.

AWS provides these startups with cloud infrastructure, AI and ML tools, and technical guidance to help them scale their operations and innovate their solutions. Corsier said that he was impressed by the cutting-edge endeavors taking place in the Indian space market and that he saw many opportunities for growth.

AWS nurtures a cloud-savvy workforce

AWS is also committed to nurturing a cloud-savvy workforce in the Indian space sector through its Activate Program and Space Accelerator program. The Activate Program provides credits and training to space startups to help them learn how to operate in the cloud. The Space Accelerator program is a four-week program that helps startups effectively integrate cloud technology into their space systems.

Corsier explained that these programs aim to remove the financial barriers and provide the necessary skills for startups to leverage cloud technology for their missions. He also said that these programs enable startups to use geospatial data for the good of the country of India.

As India’s space sector continues to evolve and garner global attention, AWS’s investments and collaborations promise a thriving ecosystem that will play a pivotal role in space technology and research for years to come.