GUNTUR: In a significant address at the Andhra Pradesh Space Tech Summit–2026, former Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy declared that space has emerged as the "fourth battlefield", placing it alongside traditional domains of land, air, and sea in terms of strategic importance for national security. The summit, held at Vignan’s University, brought together experts, academics, and industry leaders to discuss the evolving role of space technology.
Space: From Scientific Research to Strategic Dominance
Dr Satheesh Reddy emphasized that space is no longer confined to mere scientific exploration but has become an integral component of modern warfare, surveillance, and strategic dominance. He highlighted that any disruption in space-based systems could bring critical sectors like communication, banking, transport, agriculture, and television broadcasting to a complete standstill, underscoring the vulnerability of daily life to space infrastructure.
Vikram Sarabhai’s Vision Realized
Reflecting on the legacy of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the pioneer of India’s space program, Dr Satheesh Reddy noted that Sarabhai’s prediction of space technology becoming part of everyday life has fully materialized. While Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) missions often capture public attention, he stressed that space-based assets play a decisive role in defence preparedness, especially during geopolitical tensions when nations deploy dedicated surveillance satellites.
Startup Boom and Youth Leadership
The former DRDO chief pointed to the dramatic rise in space technology startups, which have grown from just 458 in 2016 to over 2 lakh today, with nearly 90 percent driven by youth. This surge reflects a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector.
Industry-Academia Collaboration Strengthened
The two-day summit, jointly organised by Vignan’s University, AP Space Tech Academy, and Ananth Technologies, aimed to promote research, innovation, and strong industry–academia collaboration. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with leading national and international companies, including AMAK Solutions Pvt Ltd Bengaluru, OPAL-RT Technologies India Pvt Ltd, Satcom Industry Association–India New Delhi, and Qualitus Pharma Solutions Hyderabad.
Students as Pillars of India’s Space Future
Chancellor of Vignan’s University and CMD of Ananth Technologies, P Pavuluri Subba Rao, emphasized that students are the real pillars of India’s future space sector. He urged them to actively participate in the country’s rise as a global space power. Rao highlighted the importance of satellite-based digital highways in extending high-speed connectivity to rural areas, noting that true technological success would be achieved when advanced systems like 5G reach common people through space-enabled platforms.
South India Rocketry Challenge–2026
Addressing the South India Rocketry Challenge–2026, AP Science City CEO Keshineni Venkateswarlu encouraged students by stating that failures are the first steps to success. He announced that five teams reached the finals, with students successfully launching electrical and chemical rockets and capturing live flight data under the guidance of ISRO scientist Suresh Kumar and other experts.
The winners received total prize money of ₹1.11 lakh, with the first prize of ₹51,000 awarded to students of Annamacharya Institute of Technology and Sciences Tirupati, whose chemical rocket reached a height of 1.5 km. Narayana Engineering College Gudur secured the second prize.
Event Highlights and Attendees
The summit was attended by notable figures including Vignan group chairman Dr Lavu Rathaiah, AP Space Tech Academy vice president V Seshagiri Rao, Dr Meghana Kurapati CEO, Prof K V Krishnakishore In-charge vice-chancellor, Prof P M V Rao registrar, along with deans, faculty members, and a large number of students. The event marked a significant step toward fostering collaboration and innovation in India’s space technology landscape.
