From Chandrayaan to Careers in Europe: János Solymosi on Space Cooperation, India and the Value of BME

As India expands its ambitions in space technology, the demand for engineers who can work across telecommunications, satellite systems and international industrial partnerships is growing rapidly. In this interview, János Solymosi of BHE Bonn Hungary reflects on India's rise as a major spacefaring nation, the role of Hungarian technology in Indian missions, and how a BME background can prepare students for globally connected engineering careers.

India has emerged as one of the leading spacefaring nations in recent years. From your perspective, how do you see this development?

India's progress in space technology over the past decade has been remarkable. The achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), from lunar exploration to the Mars Orbiter Mission and the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, demonstrate not only technological capability but also strategic consistency. What is particularly important is that these missions are not isolated successes. They contribute to a broader ecosystem of engineering, manufacturing, and research. Space programmes today drive innovation across multiple sectors including telecommunications, materials science, and data processing. India has understood and reacted to this very well.

Hungarian technology has played a role in several Indian missions. Could you explain this cooperation in more detail?

Hungarian industry has been involved in Indian space missions for decades, primarily through high-reliability communication systems. At BHE Bonn Hungary, we contributed equipment to all three Chandrayaan lunar missions and to India's Mars mission.

In the Mars programme, for example, we developed critical ground-based telecommunications systems. This included specialised solutions that ensured continuous communication between the spacecraft and Earth. I still remember receiving a satellite phone call at the time of launch confirming that everything was functioning correctly. It was a defining professional moment. These collaborations show that modern space missions are built on trusted international partnerships. Even highly advanced national programmes rely on specialised expertise from multiple countries.

You are also a former researcher at BME. How did your time at the university influence your career in the space industry?

BME provided a strong and structured theoretical foundation for engineering. The emphasis on mathematics, physics, and system-level thinking is essential in space technology, where reliability and precision are critical for the sake of the mission as well as the lives of its participants. At the same time, the university has always maintained close links with industry. During my studies and early research work, I was already exposed to real engineering problems and practical applications. This combination of theory and practice is something I have relied on throughout my career. In space engineering, small errors can have significant consequences. The discipline and analytical approach developed at BME are directly applicable in such environments.

How do you see the connection between higher education and the space industry today?

The connection is becoming increasingly important. Space technology is no longer a niche field; it is part of a broader high-technology ecosystem that includes telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, and data services. Universities play a key role in preparing engineers who can work across these domains. At institutions like BME, students are trained not only in specific technologies but also in problem-solving, systems integration, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This is particularly relevant for countries like India, where the space sector is expanding rapidly and requires a continuous supply of highly trained engineers.

BME is actively involved in international networks and collaborations. How does this benefit students?

BME is integrated into European research and education frameworks and maintains strong industrial partnerships. This means that students are not learning in isolation. They are part of a wider academic and professional network. For example, through European collaborations and industry-linked projects, students gain exposure to international standards, methodologies, and technologies. This is highly valuable for those who plan to work in global environments. In my experience, engineers who have studied in such international settings adapt more quickly and take on responsibility earlier in their careers.

You have worked closely with Indian engineers throughout your career. What have you observed about their professional development?

We have had many Indian engineers working at our facilities in Hungary. Their development has been consistently strong. They bring solid technical knowledge and a high level of motivation. What makes a difference is their exposure to an international working environment. When they return to India, they often advance quickly in their organisations. They are able to apply what they have learned in a global context while adapting it to local needs. In many cases, they also become key figures in maintaining and expanding international cooperations.

India and Hungary have recently strengthened their cooperation in space, including joint activities in orbit. How significant is this development?

It is an important step. The joint presence of Indian and Hungarian astronauts on the International Space Station reflects a deeper level of trust and cooperation. At the same time, we see increasing collaboration in industrial projects, research initiatives, and academic exchanges. This creates a comprehensive partnership that connects education, research, and real-life application. For students, this means that studying in Hungary is not an isolated experience, but part of a broader international framework that includes cooperation with countries like India.

What opportunities does this create for Indian students considering engineering studies in Europe?

It creates access to a well-established and internationally connected engineering environment. At BME, students can study in English, work on projects linked to real industry challenges, and become part of European research networks. For those interested in space technology, telecommunications, or related fields, this environment provides both theoretical knowledge and practical insight. At the same time, the skills acquired here are transferable to the Indian context. Students can return with a strong foundation and contribute to areas such as satellite systems, communication infrastructure, or advanced engineering projects in their home country.

Looking ahead, how do you see the role of international cooperation in space technology?

It will continue to grow. Space missions are becoming more complex and require diverse expertise. No single country can cover all aspects alone. The future will be shaped by networks of cooperation between countries, universities, and companies. In this context, institutions like BME play an important role by connecting education with research and industry. For the next generation of engineers, including those from India, the ability to work in such international frameworks will be essential.