Sudeshna Ray, Pune
France’s Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales, popularly called GIFAS signed an MoU with the Indian Space Association (ISpA) to tap the best space industry capabilities and aid the mutual benefits for business awareness in this area for both nations.
The Indian Space Conclave in 2023 became the initial ground for India and France’s interactions and decision to strengthen their ties in the space sector. Based on the shared ideals of sustainable growth, prompt innovation and integrating new technologies, this MoU is set to work for the mutual benefit of advancements in the space sector of different international links.
With India’s Gaganyaan mission fuelling into work, French engineer and aircraft pilot Thomas Pesquet remarked on India being at the cusp of achieving the milestone of sending humans to space. “The convergence of French and Indian leadership underscores the profound significance of space exploration and it is also playing a pivotal role in the battle against climate change, it is evident that our shared future lies among the stars”, he added.
While both nations have already worked closely together to achieve some significant milestones in the space sector, this collaboration pledges greater advancements for opening up opportunities in space exploration, business ecosystems and other innovations in the space sector. France is set to contribute to ISRO’s 2025 Venus mission with significant inputs in areas of space health and medicine and the provision of flight systems.
ISRO Chairman S Somnath lauded this collaboration and stated in his address, “The integration of private industries into every facet of the space sector marks a significant milestone, opening new frontiers and sparking innovation.” He commented on other aspects including sustainability in the space sector, disaster management and discussions around geospatial policies that will set precedence for the new era of space that is yet to come.