ISRO to Remain Main Space Agency, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre Launched for Private Players

The Government of India has launched a new initiative by the name Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) to provide a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure, which will be extended into the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). “It will also hand-hold, promote and guide the private industries in space activities,” said Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space.

IN-SPACe will ensure equal participation from private players through encouraging policies in a friendly regulatory environment, added the minister. “ISRO is the basic organisation - what activities or projects or missions will be carried out, it will play a major role in deciding that. But this new facility has been introduced to fill the gap and fulfill demand mode,” said the minister according to ANI News.

The government had recently announced that the private sector will be allowed to use ISRO facilities and other relevant assets to improve their capacities. Private companies will be provided level playing field in satellites, launches and space-based services. Future projects for planetary exploration, outer space travel will be open for the private sector, the government had said.

“The Indian Space Research Organisation has brought India many laurels, but we want to create a level playing field for private players in the satellites, launches and space-based services,” Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs of India, had said while announcing initiatives as part of AatmaNirbhar Bharat.

With the aid of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), Indian start-ups and technology entrepreneurs will be linked up with nuclear research facilities through technology development and incubation centres to foster synergies.

“Department of Space will follow Government guidelines and enable Private players to carry out space activities in the country,” ISRO had said on the move.