New Delhi: The Management Education and Research Institute (MERI), Delhi Campus, in association with SIA-India and the MERI Department of Space Studies, hosted a landmark conference titled “Payloads, Sensors and AI – Multiorbital Complexities.” The conference witnessed the participation of renowned scientists, defense professionals, and leaders from the space industry, who explored the future of satellite architecture and the growing role of advanced space technologies in strategic applications.
Prof. Lalit Aggarwal, Vice President of MERI Group of Institutions, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing institutional vision and space education initiatives. Shri Anil Prakash, Director General of SIA-India, outlined the SIA theme, highlighting the imperative for a strong global base and the integration of multi-orbit architecture.
Dr. S. C. Bera, Deputy Director, SAC (ISRO), delivered the keynote address focusing on communication and navigation satellites, lunar missions, multi-orbit satellite systems, and the future of space-based navigation. Lt Gen P. J. S. Pannu shared crucial insights during his thematic address, examining payload dynamics, sensor ecosystems, multi-orbital complexities, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence in smart boardrooms for critical defense applications.
Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In, addressed software-defined satellites, digital circuits, radio frequencies, quantum technologies, robotics, and multifunctional space systems. Brig D. P. Gadge complemented the discussions by highlighting resilience and tactical deployment of payloads and sensors in defense operations.
The conference feature-launched the “GeoAI 2026” report and inaugurated the Software Defined Satellite (SDS) Lab. Key technical sessions and an open ideation forum explored the evolving roles of space technology in the New Space Economy. A high-level round table on dual-use strategic applications closed the proceedings, with Air Cmde Himanshu Gopal delivering the Vote of Thanks.
