Facilitating private players' entry in the Indian Space Sector

Submitted to Professor Sundaravalli Narayanaswami

Submitted by: Siddharth Roy, Manik Sinha

Space endeavours in India commenced in 1962 with the establishment of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR). During the early years, efforts were focused on conducting atmospheric investigations, which led to the development of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) near Thiruvananthapuram, located in the southernmost part of the country. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), founded in 1969, significantly advanced the space programme in subsequent years by implementing initiatives focused on utilising space technology for national and societal progress. The Indian Space Project is distinguished by its aspiration to utilise space technology for national development. The main goal of the space programme is to independently establish and provide operational space services in key areas such as satellite communication, satellite-based resource survey and management, satellite navigation, satellite meteorological applications, and other emerging fields. Additionally, the programme aims to conduct continuous research and development in these areas. The Department of Space (DOS) is responsible for advancing space science, technology, and applications to achieve self-sufficiency and facilitate comprehensive national development. With the assistance of the DOS, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and other national laboratories carry out the space programmes in India. 1 ISRO, the National Space Agency, is accountable for the research, development, and implementation of space science, technology, and applications initiatives. ISRO is also accountable for doing research and development on state-of-the-art technologies. ISRO has established various centres and units to cover the extensive regions of its mandate. Each of these centres and units focuses on certain domains of space activities, such as launch vehicles, satellites, payloads, applications, launchpads, and ground segments. 1 NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is a government-owned company in India that operates under the Department of Space (DOS). It serves as the commercial branch of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is primarily responsible for facilitating high-tech space activities by Indian industries. NSIL also promotes and commercially utilises the products and services derived from the Indian space programme. Following the recent space reforms, NSIL’s responsibilities and reach have been expanded. In addition to its major business areas, NSIL now has the authority to own satellites for earth observation and communication, provide satellite services, construct satellites and launch vehicles, and offer launch services. The Government of India announced space reforms in 2020, which allowed commercial participation in the space sector. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency under the Department of Space (DOS) responsible for granting permission and supervising the operations of commercial enterprises within the country.