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Space and satellite market to reach $158 billion by 2010
MUMBAI: The International Space Business Council (ISBC) has released the report 2005 State of the Space Industry.
The global turnover generated from commercial services and government programmes reached $103 billion last year and is forecast to exceed $158 billion in 2010. More than $18 billion is spent annually on the development of space systems. India and China have joined the US, Europe, Russia, and Japan as having fully independent capabilities.
Satellite-to-consumer television has become a $40 billion worldwide market. The markets for satellite radio and GPS positioning and tracking are being validated with growth measured in the billions. The successful launch of new satellite broadband services in the US and Canada thios year could improve the market for commercial infrastructure. The development of a substantial space tourism market would have a positive but disruptive influence on the industry, though it is not likely to happen before 2010.
US Defense spending on space has grown from around $15 billion in 2000 to more than $22 billion today and is forecast to reach $28 billion by 2010. The report states, “Now is a good time to be involved in the space and satellite industry. Whether one’s focus is on military, civil government, or commercial activities, there are numerous opportunities – government funding for space is on the rise, commercial orders for satellites and launches have rebounded and stabilized, new exploration initiatives are being pursued, and entrepreneurial efforts related to radio, broadband, and space tourism are generating excitement”.
ISBC president Scott Sacknoff says, ‘With the diversity of the sector ranging from Walmart’s IT network to Nasa Mars missions to the military’s hunt for Al Qaeda, the size of the industry should not be a surprise. Governments around the world look to the industry and see space and satellite technology, R&D, and services as vital to their nation. Commercial firms continue to see the industry as an opportunity.’
The report cites US export regulations under Itar as being the industry’s most serious issue and states, “What initially was a nuisance to businesses has evolved into a serious problem for the US industry”.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
