India could soon become the preferred destination for satellite launches, aiming to conduct one launch per week, according to Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises. With ROSCOSMOS, Russia’s space agency, temporarily halting its activities due to conflict in Ukraine, India has an opportunity to fill the void in the space sector. Leveraging its technological advancements and cost advantages, India has the potential to become a dominant player globally.

India has already demonstrated its capabilities in space technology, achieving impressive feats at a fraction of the cost incurred by other nations. The successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, for example, would have cost billions if undertaken by the US. This accomplishment has not only brought pride to the nation but has also sparked conversations about India’s growing space capabilities.

OneWeb, backed by Bharti Enterprises, is competing with Elon Musk’s Starlink in the new space race. These companies aim to revolutionize connectivity through a network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. OneWeb plans to roll out its broadband services in India by the end of November, deploying 72 satellites through launches facilitated by ISRO in October 2022 and March 2023.

Sunil Bharti Mittal believes it is the right time for India to expand its horizons further. He encourages the nation to undertake more ambitious missions to the Moon and Mars, highlighting India’s critical role in the international space community. Mittal envisions deeper collaboration with the International Space Station, fostering meaningful participation in global space initiatives.

With the support of visionaries like Sunil Bharti Mittal, India is poised to establish a significant presence in the space sector. Offering high-tech solutions at competitive prices, India has the potential to become the preferred satellite launch destination for nations worldwide.