Connaught Place in Delhi. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

[Via Satellite 04-07-2016] The Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) has formed a new chapter in India, and is also launching the Kalpana Chawla Endowment Fund for Girls and Boys. SSPI India, through its global network and local Indian team, aims to create a community dedicated to developing space science and research through programs to enable Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) education and women empowerment. SSPI India is also partnering with Space Group to launch the Kalpana Chawla Space Settlement Design Competition.

SSPI India intends to bring together motivated professionals of all types — from astronauts and space agency employees to scientists, industry veterans, startups and students on a common interactive platform through various events like seminars, networking lunches, workshops and more.

The non-profit organization seeks to expand science and Research and Development (R&D) through collaboration among space professionals, policy dialogues, skill development and entrepreneurship. The SSPI India board comprises space entrepreneurs, corporate and industry professionals. Membership to the society will be open through its website soon.