Parliament Question: Private Sector Participation In The Space Sector

Key Highlights:

• IN-SPACe has granted 108 authorizations to Non-Government Entities (NGEs) for various space activities.
• Cumulative private investment in India's space sector reached $618.5 million by March 31, 2026.
• The Indian Space Policy 2023 defines roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders in the space sector.
• Key initiatives include a liberalized FDI policy, a ₹1,000 crore Venture Capital (VC) Fund, and a ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund.
• The number of active space startups has grown from 1 in 2014 to over 400 today.
• Private entities have demonstrated launch and orbital capabilities, including sub-orbital flights and placing over 30 satellites in orbit.
• The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) platform has facilitated in-orbit validation for startups and academic institutions.

Detailed Insights:

• IN-SPACe evaluates authorization applications to protect strategic, security, and national interests while permitting private space activities.
• IN-SPACe is also developing "Safety and Security Guidelines for space activities in India" in consultation with stakeholders.
• Other support measures include discounted pricing for NGEs to access ISRO facilities and the IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme.
• The government facilitates access to ISRO infrastructure, technical expertise, and mentorship for the private sector.
• Skill development initiatives and the establishment of technical centers provide affordable testing and simulation for space systems.
• ISRO technology transfers, including for SSLV, are enabled to promote commercialization.
• The "Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS)" initiative aims to develop indigenous satellite platform capabilities.
• State Governments are encouraged to establish dedicated space manufacturing clusters to strengthen the domestic supply chain.
• The Earth Observation PPP (EO-PPP) concession led to Allied Orbits building India's first privately owned Earth-observation constellation.
• International collaborations are being strengthened through bilateral and multilateral cooperation and facilitating global market access.

Key Concepts Involved:

• IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre): An autonomous agency under the Department of Space to promote, enable, and regulate private sector participation in space activities.
• Non-Government Entities (NGEs): Private companies, startups, and academic institutions involved in space activities.
• Indian Space Policy 2023: A comprehensive policy framework defining the roles of ISRO, IN-SPACe, and NSIL to boost private sector involvement.
• PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM): A platform on the PSLV rocket's fourth stage used for in-orbit scientific experiments and technology demonstrations by startups.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Investment made by a firm or individual in one country into business interests located in another country.
• Venture Capital (VC) Fund: A type of private equity capital provided by venture capital firms or funds to startups, early-stage, and emerging companies.
• Technology Adoption Fund (TAF): A fund established to accelerate the development, demonstration, and commercialization of indigenous technologies.
• Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS): An initiative to provide standardized satellite platforms and services to accelerate satellite development for various applications.