Why in News?

• Indian Space Association (ISpA) has organised the “Indian DefSpace Symposium 2023” in association with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Highlights:

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan during the Indian DefSpace Symposium 2023 said that the nature of warfare is changing and we are witnessing the militarisation of space and steady progress towards weaponisation.
• He further added that “the aim should be towards developing dual-use platforms with a special focus towards incorporating cutting-edge technology and expanding NAVIC constellation to provide agile space-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and ensure secure satellite-assisted communications”.

Indian DefSpace Symposium:

• Indian DefSpace Symposium is organised by the Indian Space Association (ISpA) in association with the DRDO.
• The Symposium aims to create a platform for all stakeholders who have a keen interest in boosting India’s military space capability and plans.
• The Symposium would provide a platform to bring together experts from multiple domains from the defence, DRDO, government sectors and industry professionals to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the field of defence.
• The key focus of the Symposium would be on delivering space domain awareness and satellite communications to enhance military operations, address related issues and develop a Defence Space Strategy in line with the National Space Strategy.
• Indian DefSpace Symposium 2023 is organised as a part of deliberations under “Mission Def-Space”, under which 75 challenges have been identified for development by the industry.

Indian Space Association (ISpA):

• The Indian Space Association (ISpA) was set up in 2021.
• The Indian Space Association (ISpA) is an apex, non-profit industry body working towards the successful exploration, collaboration, and development of the private and public space industry in the country.
• ISpA undertakes policy advocacy, engages and operates with all stakeholders and acts as a catalyst for accelerating the exchange of knowledge on space-related domains.