India’s Space Odyssey: How ISRO is Empowering Private Players to Reach New Heights | (Thu 30 May 2024 05:30)

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• Founder: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, considered the father of India's space program, established the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on August 15, 1969.

• Role: ISRO focuses on leveraging science and technology to benefit India and humanity through space applications.

• Key Functions: Development of systems for communication, television broadcasting, weather forecasting, resource management, and satellite-based navigation.

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Steps to Promote Private Participation in India’s Space Sector

1. Antrix Corporation Ltd. (1992)

• A government-owned enterprise under the Department of Space.

• Acts as ISRO’s commercial and marketing arm.

• Promotes ISRO’s products and services globally, facilitates technology transfer, and supports industrial growth.

2. New Space India Ltd. (NSIL) (2019)

• Responsible for commercializing ISRO technologies.

• Involved in PSLV production, satellite manufacturing, launch services, and satellite-based services.

• Facilitates the transfer of ISRO-developed technology to private industries.

3. IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) (2020)

• An autonomous agency under the Department of Space.

• Promotes participation of non-government entities (NGEs) in space activities.

• Fosters collaboration among private industry, academia, and startups to expand India's role in the global space economy.

4. National Geospatial Policy (2022)

• Enables private players to collect and use geospatial data without prior approval, except in sensitive areas.

• Aims to develop a robust geospatial ecosystem and increase private sector participation.

5. India Space Policy (2023)

• Vision: To encourage commercial activities in space, enabling NGEs to undertake satellite launches, ground-based operations, and services like communication and remote sensing.

• Goal: Expand India’s space economy from $8 billion to $100 billion by 2040.

6. Revised FDI Guidelines

• FDI Limits:

  • 74%: Satellite manufacturing and operations

  • 49%: Launch vehicles, spaceports, and associated infrastructure

  • 100%: Components for satellites, ground equipment, and user segment devices

• Beyond the Limits: Investments exceeding these thresholds require government approval.

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Key Private Players in India’s Space Sector

1. Dhruva Space

• Designs custom satellites, ground stations, and launch services.

• Successfully launched satellite deployers with ISRO’s PSLV.

• Building a spacecraft manufacturing facility in Hyderabad.

2. Skyroot Aerospace

• Focuses on building space launch vehicles.

• First Indian private startup to test liquid propulsion and 3D-printed cryogenic engines.

• Launched Vikram-S, India’s first privately built rocket, in 2022.

3. Agnikul Cosmos

• Specializes in 3D-printed rocket engines and small launch vehicles.

• In partnership with ISRO, successfully tested its engine, Agnilet.

• Built India's first private mobile launchpad and mission control center.

• Raised $11 million in Series A funding and launched Agnikul Rocket Factory-1.

4. Manastu Space

• Mumbai-based startup focusing on green space propulsion and satellite services.

• Develops eco-friendly propulsion systems and offers satellite refueling and deorbiting solutions.

• Partners with UK and French companies.

• Raised $3 million in pre-Series A funding in 2023.
   

India’s space sector is undergoing a transformational phase marked by growing private sector involvement and supportive policy reforms. The combination of increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the establishment of enabling institutions like NSIL and IN-SPACe, and the rise of innovative startups like Skyroot and Agnikul is redefining India’s space journey. These efforts are positioning India to become a major player in the global space economy, targeting a $100 billion industry by 2040.