Virtual Conference On Satellite Ground Segment In India – Way Forward

Satcom Industry Association (SIA-India) is excited to observe the industry developments as the space
segment matures from limited earth observation and communication applications to the multiple
constellations that need to be supported with necessary ground infrastructure, including multiple
gateways, data centers and communications links
The mention of new space brings up images of Launch vehicles, satellites and payloads. However, the
operation of these satellites relies on communicating with effective ground segments. Specific
engineering needs accompany the ground station requirement. Still, like different segments of space
infrastructure, a lot goes beyond technology, including regulations, licenses, etc. Ground Station as a
Service (GSaaS) enables satellite operators to focus on their core business and launch their businesses
faster. The multi-tenant feature of GSaaS also amortizes cost components for operators while providing
cutting edge integrations with security, data processing etc. Like any other infrastructure as a service
model, the GSaaS providers also have pre-integrated solutions for these features and functionalities. They have built offerings that allow a smooth run with minimum friction.
The National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP 2018) lays due emphasis on strengthening satellite
Communication Technologies in India. Much discussion has focused on the space segment, ranging from
investments and announcements related to business models and technology. In comparison, the
“ground” segment in the industry is beginning to ramp up, and needs to keep pace with discussions
around industry developments such as NGSO HTS constellations, software defined radio, network
function virtualization, and flat panel antennas, amongst others. It is only now that the wider Big Data
industry recognizes a market gap in the satellite value chain, one that it is well positioned to address.
In recent times, The Government of India through Department of Space has also come out with quite a
few forward-looking policies like the Draft Spacecom Policy, draft Space transportation policy, draft
Remote sensing policy etc. that create an enabling environment for the industry.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on the licensing
framework for setting up satellite earth station gateways, and believes multi-stakeholders should be
allowed to set up such earth stations, and not merely service licensees, to attract even bigger investments
into the space sector and boost satellite capacities”. While the TRAI Consultation will be addressing the
regulatory and policy measures for the licensing framework for the satellite gateways, the need is felt for
a timely discussion on the Ground segment. This conference is aimed at highlighting and deliberating on
the issues around the way forward for the Ground Station industry in the Indian Landscape which will not be open to the satellite operation but create an additional boost to the manufacturing of the ground
segment and forge foreign collaborations.
SIA-India is a young and vibrant is a nonprofit association created to provide a platform for thought
leadership for Policy, Regulatory and Spectrum matters pertaining to the space and satellite industry.
Besides national and global industry representation, there will also be delegates and guests from
Government, Standard bodies and regulatory bodies in the proposed conference on “Satellite Ground
Segment in India – Way forward” on 17th December, 2021 from 1400 to 1830 Hrs (IST). The
recommendations that emerge from the deliberations of the conference will be submitted to the
concerned authorities.