[Satnews] New Delhi: With tremendous pleasure the Board of SSPI India announces the official formation of the India Chapter of the Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI), and the launch of the Kalpana Chawla Endowment Fund for Girls and Boys.  SSPI is a global non-profit organization dedicated to the development of the space industry through outreach, education, and policy dialogue.  The start of the Indian chapter represents a significant milestone in advancing India’s space ecosystem and raising public awareness of the benefits of the space industry and science to the people of India.

SSPI India, through its global network and strong Indian team, aims to create a community of passionate members dedicated to developing space science and research through programs to enable STEM education and women empowerment.  SSPI India seeks to expand science, research, innovation and development through collaboration among space professionals, policy dialogues, skill development and entrepreneurship.

“The start of the Kalpana Chawla Endowment Fund is a tremendous moment for the newly formed chapter.  The SSPI India Board and I hope to enable the next Kalpana,” stated the chapter President Sanjay Nekkanti and Founder of Dhruva Space.  Chapter Vice-President D.S. Govindarajan, President at Aniara SpaceCom furthered, “We encourage academic pursuit of science especially for young women through financial support, grants, challenges and other incentives to create new opportunities for interested youngsters.”

SSPI India is also partnering with SPACE Group to launch the "Kalpana Chawla Space Settlement Design Competition".  According to Amit Verma, Chapter Treasurer and CEO, SPACE, “Linking SPACE to SSPI-India provides a way to connect decision-makers with space professionals from all aspect of the community –government, educators, business and academia.”

SSPI India intends to bring together industry motivated professionals of all types –from astronauts and space agency employees to scientists, industry veterans, start ups and students on a common interactive platform through various events like seminars, networking lunches, workshops and more. The membership to the society will be open  through its website soon.

The SSPI India board comprises of space entrepreneurs, corporate and industry professionals. The inauguration of SSPI India comes at a significant time, when their members of SSPI chapters everywhere can promote educational excellence and increased space cooperation. 

Founded in 1983, the Society of Satellite Professionals International () is on a mission to make the satellite industry one of the world’s best at attracting and engaging the talent that powers innovation.  With more than 4,000 members in +40 nations, it is the largest satellite industry association in the world.  It delivers on its mission through a portfolio of programs:

• Next Generation – Staging competitions and sharing information with university students to excite them about careers in satellite.
• Leaders Quest – Identifying and honoring present and future leaders as models for the industry to follow.
• New Century Workforce – Conducting the annual workforce study and engaging satellite company executives in improving industry practices.
• Better Satellite World – Promoting the immense contributions of satellite to commerce, education, communication and human welfare.