India’s National Space Technology Conclave 2026 at Chandigarh University concluded with ISRO experts and industry leaders affirming India’s emergence as a global space power, highlighting radar system leadership, AI/ML-driven satellites, quantum-secure communications, and space sustainability as pillars of future missions.
The event also unveiled Chandigarh University’s Declaration on Space Technology for Viksit Bharat 2047, reinforcing India’s ambition to become a leading innovation hub.
The two-day conclave at Chandigarh University brought together over thirty eminent scientists, mission leaders, technologists, CEOs of space start-ups, and senior representatives from ISRO, IIST, IN-SPACe, NSIL, and URSC.
Together with ISRO and IIST, the Kalpana Chawla Center for Research in Space Science and Technology organized it. The colloquium complemented the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047 and was a part of the National Space Day 2026 festivities.
Over the past ten years, India has become a global leader in radar systems, according to Dr. Nilesh M. Desai, former Director of the Space Applications Center at ISRO. He pointed out that India’s capabilities now cover nearly all of the key radar frequency bands, making it a desirable partner for organizations like NASA, JPL, CNES, and JAXA.
He stressed that Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Quantum Technology, and Inter-Satellite Links will transform upcoming satellite systems. On-board processing and edge computing will enable satellites to process data in orbit, supporting real-time decision-making for governance, planning, and disaster management.
Sensitive networks, military communications, and financial transactions will all benefit from increased cyber security thanks to quantum technology. He also emphasized the growth of India’s Space-Based Surveillance program for national security and ISRO’s efforts to bolster safe navigation capabilities to combat spoofing threats.
Dr. Anil Kumar, former Director of ISTRAC, ISRO, addressed the critical challenge of space sustainability. He explained that the growing accumulation of space debris from defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments poses risks to operational spacecraft.
Even tiny debris moving at high speeds has the potential to cause catastrophic damage and set off cascading accidents. He cautioned that the proliferation of satellites impacts astronomical observations and that uncontrolled re-entry of space debris could pose problems on Earth.
He emphasized the necessity of more international collaboration, collision avoidance, ongoing monitoring, responsible operations, and debris abatement. In order to guaranty that space remains secure and usable for future generations, he reaffirmed India’s active involvement in protecting satellites, endorsing international regulations, and taking part in international forums.
Chandigarh University’s Senior Managing Director, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, emphasized India’s development into a major space power. Recalling the landmark Aryabhata launch in 1975, he pointed out that India has subsequently led the way in cost-effective launches, with PSLV supplying 399 foreign satellites till 2026 as opposed to just 35 prior to 2014.
According to him, India’s expanding launch capabilities are drawing demand from around the world, demonstrating the country’s self-assurance and independence. In order to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, he emphasized that recent space reforms have made it possible for private involvement, investment, and innovation.The Defense Policy of India
Converting space technology priorities into mission capabilities, research, and teaching was the focus of the second day of the conclave. Mission architecture, satellite and subsystem engineering, payload development, validation, ground stations, TT&C, mission control, AI-enabled operations, and space data processing were all covered in the sessions.
Expert talks and a strategic roundtable examined ground segment operations, scientific payloads, and space systems and mission engineering.
Additionally, the day included an interactive “Meet the Scientists & Space Industry Leaders” session that allowed students to interact directly with professionals. This was followed by a discussion between students and space leaders as well as the valedictory event.
The announcement of the Chandigarh University Declaration on Space Technology for Viksit Bharat 2047, which intends to enhance universities’ involvement in national space missions, was another noteworthy event.
With more than 450 start-ups since the industry opened to private participation in 2020, the summit also highlighted India’s thriving private space ecosystem.
Experts advised pupils to look beyond textbooks, create solutions that will help society, and get ready for future capacities like living on the Moon and Mars.
