India's space advancements open new frontiers for STEM education growth

India's advancements in space technology, led by initiatives like NavIC, are positioning the country as a global leader in the field. These innovations are driving economic growth and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, supporting India's goal of becoming a multi-trillion-dollar economy.

India’s space capabilities have taken significant strides in recent years, enabling the country to position itself as a leader in space technology. With the growth of homegrown satellite systems like NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), India is not only enhancing production efficiency but also fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive economic growth. By harnessing these advancements, India is on a path to achieving the Prime Minister's vision of a multi-trillion-dollar economy.

The government's policy mandating vehicle tracking devices powered by NavIC further amplifies these benefits without additional costs. According to a study report, Australia invested billions in adopting solutions based on older GPS technology.

NavIC, one of the most advanced satellite systems globally, offers unparalleled precision and is cost-effective compared to older technologies like GPS. This powerful system has the potential to double productivity with the same resources, reducing inefficiencies across industries.

Lt. Col. V S Velan, Founder and CTO of Elena Geo Systems, is driving innovation in satellite-based navigation systems, leveraging his extensive military experience. His work with NavIC, India’s homegrown satellite system, is set to transform industries and enhance national self-reliance in navigation technology.

1. How can India leverage its growing space capabilities to drive economic growth and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors?

A. India can leverage its growing space capabilities, particularly through the advanced home-grown satellite system known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). By effectively utilising NavIC, India has the potential to significantly enhance production efficiency, potentially doubling output with the same set of resources.

This aligns with the Prime Minister's vision of achieving a multi-trillion-dollar economy in the near future, reducing losses and increasing overall efficiency. Amongst the available technologies for monitoring, NavIC is the most cost-effective.

The implementation of vehicle tracking devices, as mandated by government policy, can further maximise these benefits without incurring additional costs. A study conducted by Australian scientists Dempster and Reeds highlighted the potential of such technology, noting that Australia invested billions in adopting similar solutions based on older GPS technology.

Given that India possesses superior technology in NavIC, which operates on better frequencies such as L5and S, the country stands to gain significantly by avoiding a regression to older technologies like L1 frequency.

In certain new areas, such as mobile technology, there is ongoing discussion about shifting back to the L1 frequency of GPS technology, which would be an upgrade step, pulling us back to outdated technology. By capitalising on these advancements, India can further reduce losses and increase efficiency, thereby creating new avenues for collaboration between the public and private sectors in various fields, including transportation, agriculture, and disaster management.

2. What role do emerging technologies like AI, 3D printing, and quantum computing play in shaping the future of India's space missions and satellite development?

A. Such technologies are poised to significantly enhance navigation technology and systems in India's space missions and satellite development. As AI plays a crucial role in optimising navigation systems by enabling real-time data analysis and intelligent route planning, essential for both satellite operations and ground-based navigation.

For instance, AI-powered navigation maps can dynamically adjust routes based on traffic conditions, ensuring efficient travel and improved safety. Meanwhile, 3D printing allows for the rapid prototyping and production of lightweight satellite components, reducing costs and accelerating development timelines.

Quantum computing offers advanced computational capabilities that can tackle complex calculations related to satellite positioning and orbital mechanics, further refining navigation accuracy.

The importance of these advancements lies in their potential to enhance the reliability and efficiency of navigation systems across various applications, including autonomous vehicles, logistics, and disaster management, thus contributing to India's strategic goals in space exploration and technology deployment.

3. How is the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) working with startups and academia to accelerate space tech innovation, and what key challenges need to be addressed in this ecosystem?

ISRO primarily concentrates on developing innovative technologies for space exploration, while IN-SPACe operates as India's dedicated space service, established to effectively utilise the nation's space resources, making commendable contributions to advancing India's capabilities in space.

IN-SPACe, under Dr Pawan Goenka's leadership, enhances the utilisation of space resources by collaborating with startups to promote space technology applications. It plays a vital role in mobilising resources and providing support to individuals and organisations in the space technology sector. It has also initiated key programs to promote private sector participation in India's space sector.

TheSpaceTech Innovation Network (SpIN) supports startups and SMEs by curating innovations and facilitating venture development.

IN-SPACe also provides a framework for authorising and supervising non-governmental entities engaging in space activities, while facilitating infrastructure sharing with ISRO for testing and development.

However, there is a significant need for increased outreach and funding initiatives aimed at assisting startups in developing innovative technologies effectively. Enhanced government support through dedicated grants could empower these emerging enterprises to thrive in the competitive field of navigation technology.

4. What inspired you to transition from a successful career in the Indian Army to founding Elena Geo Systems, and how do you see satellite-based navigation systems evolving in India?

It was driven by a deep passion for leveraging my military expertise in navigation technology for civilian applications. During my service, particularly in Operation Vijay, I experienced first hand the critical role that navigation technology plays in military operations.

In the final days of the conflict, we faced devastating accidents due to the denial of GPS services by the US Air Force. It was a heart-wrenching experience to witness my fellow soldiers suffer and lose their lives.

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to represent the Indian Army in the Integrated Space Cell in 2009, where I passionately advocated for India to develop its own independent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Nonetheless, there is an ongoing effort to reinstate dependence on GPS by incorporating an L1 signal. I believe this would be a retrograde step for our country.

Today, I am proud to say that we have established a fully independent navigation system that provides 24/7 service with superior accuracy and reliability tailored specifically for India and its subcontinent. This advancement is crucial not only for military applications but also for civilian use, as it enhances safety and efficiency across various sectors.

I am thrilled about the future of satellite-based navigation systems and their potential to transform industries while contributing to India's technological progress.

5. During your time as System Manager for the armed forces' monitoring system, what were some of the key challenges you faced, and how did they shape your approach to developing cutting-edge navigation technologies?

During my tenure in 2003, we encountered issues with our internally developed mapping systems. However, the operationalisation of these systems did not occur because we found ourselves heavily dependent on GPS for positioning.

Unfortunately, GPS was inadequate for India due to the differences in geographical zones. Even after resolving the mapping issues, we still needed to address location and positioning challenges.

We successfully overcame these obstacles with the help of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), now known as NavIC. This experience provided me with a unique opportunity to work within the integrated space cell, where I dedicated myself passionately to this project over two years, from 2009to 2011.

Ultimately, this journey not only enhanced my technical skills but also deepened my commitment to advancing navigation technologies that are reliable and independent.

Continuing my dedication to this mission, I founded Elena Geo with the aim of proliferating NavIC technology across various sectors. As we strive for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, it is crucial that we reduce our reliance on foreign GPS systems, especially in light of the challenges faced during past conflicts like the Kargil War.

We are proud to say that we have an end-to-end downstream with a range of products that can be used by the defence forces. One of the products has already been inducted into all infantry battalions in the Indian Army. I am hopeful that soon all other products will also be produced soon as the cost of our products is much cheaper compared to their foreign counterparts.

We are not just developing technology; we are ensuring that India stands strong and self-reliant in navigation capabilities for years to come.

6. As a veteran and a technologist, how do you envision the future collaboration between the defence sector and private companies in advancing satellite navigation and geospatial technologies in India?

I envision a future where collaboration between the defence sector and private companies in India significantly advances satellite navigation and geospatial technology. This partnership is crucial for fostering innovation while enhancing national security capabilities.

By leveraging the agility of private enterprises alongside the strategic needs of the defence sector, we can develop effective solutions that cater to both commercial and defence objectives, thereby strengthening India's position in the global space arena.

The technologies developed with military applications are also beneficial for civilian purposes, but their primary focus remains on enhancing armed forces capabilities. The Indian Armed Forces are increasingly engaging with industry, creating opportunities for technology companies to develop essential innovations.

I would like to express my gratitude to the Army Technology Board under our Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General N. S. Raja Subramani PVSM, who has been instrumental in this initiative. He has personally overseen various projects and coordinated efforts to advance navigational technologies throughout his tenure.