The first International Space Summit in Paris has brought together governments, companies, space agencies and scientists to collectively advance space activities as a lasting driver of society.

The summit has seen 51 announcements worth about €20 billion, equivalent to approximately ₹1,80,000 Crores. These announcements highlight the dynamism of the global space sector and the importance of international cooperation in preserving orbital and frequency resources while ensuring the sharing of scientific data.

Among the India-related developments, Safran Space France has signed several contracts with Dhruva Space, strengthening the Franco-Indian strategic partnership in the space sector. The contracts are worth more than €5 million, which translates to approximately ₹45 crores.

These agreements will provide Safran Space technologies, communication systems, inertial navigation units, optical payloads and ground stations. They are intended for India’s future SBS-III space-surveillance constellation, which envisages deploying 52 satellites between 2027 and 2030.

This cooperation illustrates the rise of India’s New Space sector and the French industry’s ability to support the development of India’s sovereign space capabilities. It also opens the way to further collaboration under the future SBS program.

The partnership builds on a long-standing Franco-Indian space relationship. Safran has already contributed to India’s Chandrayaan-III lunar mission and has expanded its industrial footprint in India, particularly in Bangalore.

The contracts signed at the Paris summit reflect the growing momentum of Dhruva Space as a key player in India’s private space sector. They also demonstrate how French technological innovation is being integrated with Indian industrial capacity to advance India’s space ambitions.

This collaboration is aligned with India’s “Make in India” policy, ensuring that the SBS-III constellation and future projects will combine international expertise with domestic integration.

The agreements mark a significant step in India’s journey towards building robust space-surveillance capabilities, enhancing national security, and contributing to global space sustainability.

Agencies