2 weeks ago
AI, Quantum Technology to Drive India’s Next-Generation Satellites
Experts at a space conference in India discussed how new technologies could improve future satellites.
They said artificial intelligence could help satellites study information while still in space.
This could make decisions faster and help with planning and disaster management.
Quantum technology could make banking, military communications and other sensitive networks safer.
Inter-satellite links could help satellites communicate with one another.
The experts also discussed protecting navigation systems from false signals.
Another speaker warned that space junk can damage working satellites and make some orbits dangerous.
India is participating in international efforts to keep space safe and usable.
Students at the conference also met scientists and space-industry leaders.
ISRO experts said AI, quantum technology and inter-satellite links will transform India’s future satellite systems.
Dr. Nilesh M. Desai said India has developed radar capabilities across nearly all major frequency bands through indigenization and industry participation.
Experts said onboard AI processing could support faster decisions in governance, policymaking and disaster management.
Dr. Anil Kumar highlighted space debris, uncontrolled re-entry and collision risks as major threats to space sustainability.
The two-day National Space Technology Conclave 2026 at Chandigarh University examined mission engineering, payloads, ground systems and space operations.
- Who
- ISRO experts, space scientists, mission leaders, industry representatives and Chandigarh University officials.
- What
- The National Space Technology Conclave 2026 discussed India’s future space missions, satellite technologies, national security and space sustainability.
- Where
- Chandigarh University’s campus near Chandigarh, Punjab, India.
- When
- The conclave concluded on August 19 during its second day.
- Why
- The discussions aimed to advance India’s space capabilities, strengthen satellite security and support the long-term sustainable use of outer space.
Key facts
- Event
- National Space Technology Conclave 2026
- Organizer
- Chandigarh University
- Location
- Chandigarh University campus near Chandigarh, Punjab
- Featured technologies
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning, quantum technology, and inter-satellite links
- Security focus
- Secure navigation, spoofing countermeasures and India’s Space-Based Surveillance programme
- Sustainability concerns
- Space debris, collisions, uncontrolled re-entry and risks to astronomical observations
- Launch figure cited
- Chandigarh University’s senior managing director said the PSLV had delivered 399 foreign satellite launches by 2026, compared with 35 before 2014
Quotes
Dr. Nilesh M. Desai
Former Director of Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO
““Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Quantum Technology and Inter‑Satellite Links (ISLs) will play a transformative role in India’s upcoming satellite systems.””
theprint.in
““Space sustainability has emerged as one of the most critical challenges for the future of space exploration and utilisation.””
theprint.in
Sources
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