The Hindu Business Line : India can be an equal partner in space, says Boeing

Focus points
Says Indian scientists can help make travel cost effective, develop tech.
In talks with some defence, space institutes here.
Keen to enable SMEs exploit commercial opportunities in space.

M. Somasekhar

Hyderabad, Sept. 30 Boeing, the global aerospace giant, feels India could emerge as an equal partner in space, aviation and defence sectors, given its growing strengths.

In terms of making space travel cost effective, developing technologies that can accelerate space transportation and launch vehicles, Indian scientists and industry can play an important role, said Mr Paul A. Eckert, the International & Commercial Strategist (Space Exploration Systems) of Boeing Company.

The aerospace major believes that with adequate research and development efforts and a realistic view, which will involve creative and focused exploration missions, there are enough commercial opportunities in space. Boeing definitely is pursuing this, Mr Eckert told Business Line here.

India value

“We see a value in working with Indian companies. At present we are in discussion with some select ones as well as with leading defence and space institutes,” said Mr Eckert at the 58th International Astronautical Congress here.

A team of 6 top executives from Boeing Corporation, including Mr Eckert, participated in the Congress where it had a big presence, and pursued discussions with companies and institutes.

The company is specially keen to get the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into the bandwagon of exploiting commercial opportunities in space. SMEs can indulge in innovations, which can help big companies boost the overall objectives, Mr Eckert felt.

Space biz

Convinced about the commercial opportunities in space, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Mitsubishi, EADS Astrium and other major aerospace majors have joined hands to organise a Space Investment Summit to explore the potential existing for space related business in the future, he said.

The Space Investment Summit-3 will be held in San Jose, California during December 5-7, 2007. Private investment into space exploration is the key factor that drives these summits.

There are risks and opportunities in this sector and it would be a good chance for Indian industry to also join the bandwagon, the Boeing executive felt.

Submitting plans

The summit encourages entrepreneurs to submit space commerce business plans as well. Areas like materials, satellite services, transportation, tourism, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals have been identified.

Boeing as a company already has a presence in India and is looking out for partners in aviation, security, defence, networking. and IT-related areas, he said.

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