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<ul><li>The Indian government has just given its approval to set up a new company under the Department of Space. </li><li>The company will look at technology transfer as well as explore manufacturing opportunities with private players. </li><li>The space industry was a part of the Narendra Modi government’s Vision 2030, during the announcement of the Interim Budget in February. </li></ul>The space industry was part of the Narendra Modi government’s Vision 2030 announced during the recent interim budget. Now, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will be able to <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cabinet-oks-setting-up-of-firm-to-boost-commercial-exploitation-of-isros-rd/articleshow/68070011.cms">sell</a> its research and development work to further enable private players in India, according to an official release. The Indian government just gave its approval to set up a new company under the Department of Space to commercially exploit the research and development work carried out by ISRO and constituent units of DOS. This will give ISRO the opportunity to also explore manufacturing of small satellite launch vehicle with private sector players, productionisation and marketing of space-based products and services including launch and applications. Through the new company, ISRO will also look at the transfer of technology from its centres to private players for the latter to leverage on the same. According to official documents from the government of India, for technology transfer the new company will have to take license from DoS/ISRO and sub-license to industries. This is a landmark move as it will allow private companies access to breakthrough technologies that have remained in ISRO’s domain. ISRO has already been creating multiple hits in recent months. In late 2018, it put into orbit a whopping 31 satellites in one go and also <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/isro-wants-private-players-to-take-over-pslv-satellite-production-by-2020-118090600564_1.html">expressed </a>interest in working with private players. In January, ISRO chief K Sivan announced that under the Gaganyaan mission, a three-member team will be sent to space which could also include a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isros-first-manned-space-mission-might-have-women/articleshow/67486206.cms">woman</a> astronaut. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-is-to-trying-to-beat-elon-musks-spacex-success/articleshow/67550362.cms">India’s apex space agency is following Elon Musk's idea — and taking it a step forward</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isros-first-manned-space-mission-might-have-women/articleshow/67486206.cms">India's first ‘manned’ mission to space may have women too</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/gsat-31-india-successfully-launches-its-40th-communication-satellite/articleshow/67861257.cms">India successfully launches its 40th communication satellite</a>

A new Indian government company will sell space technology to private players

<ul><li><keyword id="116095" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Space-Research-Organisation">Indian Space Research Organisation</keyword> has officially signed a tender with two private firms and one public enterprise to assemble and launch 27 <keyword id="41530" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="satellites">satellites</keyword> over the next three years. </li><li>It’s even created a facility specifically for the public-private collaboration at the <keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword> Spacecraft Integration Test Establishment (<keyword id="6725531" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ISITE">ISITE</keyword>). </li><li>If the collaboration is successful, reports state that the contract could be extended for another two years resulting in 18 more satellites. </li></ul>It was late last year that Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/isro-opens-doors-to-private-sector/article20603113.ece">launched</a> on its endeavour to rope in more private participation for building and launching satellites to boost activity. Come 2018, the Indian space agency has finalised on three companies to assemble 27 satellites over the span of the next three years. The Spacecraft Assembly Integration and Testing (<keyword id="63108" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="ait">AIT</keyword>) activities are now going to be outsourced to <keyword id="4179932" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="alpha-design">Alpha Design</keyword> consortium, <keyword id="363595" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Advanced-Systems">Tata Advanced systems</keyword> and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Between the one public entity and two private players, the satellite will be developed using subsystems from the ISRO supply chain. Rather than dealing with a scattered supply chain, the agency has put together a space just for the public-private partnership. These three firms will be <a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/about-isro/u-r-rao-satellite-centre-ursc">working</a> out of the ISRO Spacecraft Integration Test Establishment (ISITE) in Bangalore. Each firm has been allocated with the responsibility of completing nine satellites each year. The satellites are homogenous with some meant for communication while others will help with imaging and meteorological capabilities. Reports state that if the three-year endeavour is successful, the contract has a clause that allows an extension for another two years which would mean 18 more satellites. In comparison the handful of launches that ISRO has in one year, the organisation <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/isro-opens-doors-to-private-sector/article20603113.ece">wants to</a> meet the demand for 16-18 satellites going up annually. And, though this project won’t allow ISRO’s capabilities to reach that level, it will still increase the amount of launches to seven to nine satellites per year. The main obstacle for ISRO, so far, has been that their in-house capabilities are limited, which is why offloading the some aspects of the production cycle to private players could optimise the satellite launch processes. (Representative image)

ISRO creates a space for the private industry, to collaborate for 27 satellites

<ul><li><keyword id="153327" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Antrix-Corporation">Antrix Corporation</keyword>, the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has brought in a total of ₹62.98 billion in revenue. </li><li>The government plans to expand to commercial viability of its Departments of Space (DoS) by forming the <keyword id="7832818" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-space-india-limited">New Space India Limited</keyword> (NSIL).</li><li>Private players are still left out of the loop until the ‘<keyword id="7803428" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Space-Activities-Bill">Space Activities Bill</keyword>’ is tabled in Parliament and passed by its members.</li></ul>The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) arm of commercial operations, the Antrix Corporation, clocked in ₹62.98 billion (₹6,289 crore) in revenue from launching 239 satellites over the last three years. And, this might only increase in the future. The government already announced that they plan on increasing the commercial viability of the Department of Space (DoS) by replacing Antrix with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/union-budget-2019-isros-new-commerical-arm-is-new-space-india-limited/articleshow/70086097.cms">New Space India Limited (NSIL)</a>. NSIL will be set up to meet the ever increasing demands of the Indian space programme. It will also help commercially exploit the global space market, according to Jitendra Singh from the Prime Minister’s Office. Keeping costs low ISRO has an edge over its competition as it keeps its launch costs as low as possible — something that Elon Musk’s SpaceX is also trying to accomplish by employing reusable rockets. ISRO charges approximately $3 million per satellite launch where as SpaceX’s cost are still at around $60 million. In comparison, United Launch Alliance — which mostly launches satellites for the US government and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) — charges upward of $100 million. But, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-low-cost-chandrayaan-and-mars-missions-come-at-a-price/articleshow/70226652.cms">keeping costs low comes with its own price.</a> Most of India’s missions, like Mangalyaan and the upcoming Gaganyaan, are technology demonstrators rather than long-term voyages which collect data. Private participation The market for space launches is getting increasingly competitive with private players entering the field globally. In India, only the public sector is allowed to launch rockets into space. Private participation, so far, has been limited to building components and technologies for ISRO, on a small scale. The Indian government is currently mulling over the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-space-activities-bill-addresses-damage-in-outer-space/articleshow/69960212.cms">‘Space Activities Bill’</a> to align its liability in outer space with international standards. Once the bill comes into place, it will allow private players to launch rockets with a government license. “ISRO, competent as it is, cannot be the only warden of India’s space ambitions and necessities. This role should be extended to the private sector just as other countries are doing,” according to Chaitanya Giri, a fellow with the space and ocean studies programme at Gateway House — the Indian council on global relations. (With IANS inputs) See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-low-cost-chandrayaan-and-mars-missions-come-at-a-price/articleshow/70226652.cms">India’s low cost space missions come at a price</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/union-budget-2019-isros-new-commerical-arm-is-new-space-india-limited/articleshow/70086097.cms">India forms a new space company to sell ISRO’s space technology products</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-space-activities-bill-addresses-damage-in-outer-space/articleshow/69960212.cms">India’s new ‘Space Activities Bill’ will fix the liability for damage caused in outer space</a>

ISRO’s commercial operations clock in over ₹60 billion in revenue but leaves private players out of the equation

Chennai, June 25 (IANS) The proposed Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), part of space sector reforms aimed at bringing in private sector participation, will be a separate vertical under the Department of Space (DOS), said ISRO Chairman K.Sivan on Thursday. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief also said a new Navigation Policy is also being proposed. Suitable changes in Remote Sensing Data Policy as well as SATCOM policy are also on the anvil as a part of aligning them to an open and inclusive space sector. In an online address from Bengaluru, Sivan said the IN-SPACe as a separate vertical for permitting and regulating the activities of private industry in the space sector. He said IN-SPACe will have its own directorates for technical, legal, safety and security, monitoring as well as activities promotion for assessing the private sector's needs and further coordination of the activities. As to its structure Sivan said IN-SPACe will have a board and will have representatives from industry, academia and the government. On Wednesday the Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its nod for the setting up of IN-SPACe to promote private sector participation in the space sector while making ISRO to focus on research and development (R&amp;D) of new technologies, exploration missions and human spaceflight programme. According to the government, IN-SPACe will also provide a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure. The entry of the private sector in the space sector in a bigger way will create large job opportunities and prevent brain drain, the government said. Sivan said the major reform measure is to enable the private sector including academia to carry out end-to-end space activities viz, building of rockets and satellites, owning satellites, providing launch services and providing space based services on a commercial basis. Till now ISRO was the end-to-end player in the Indian space sector. With the government's decision to open up the space sector, the private sector can now play a larger role than being a component supplier, Sivan said. Sivan also said ISRO will also share its technological expertise with the private parties. According to Sivan, there was a need for a mechanism to allow the private sector taking into account the safety, security and also provide the ease of doing business. He said private sector players will apply to IN-SPACe and the latter will process the application and its decision is binding on ISRO. While it will take about 3-6 months for IN-SPACe to be in place, the private sector can send their applications to DOS. As regards NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), a public sector unit under DOS, Sivan said its role is being re-defined to transform the approach of supply driven model to demand driven model for space based services. Sivan said NSIL will be strengthened and empowered to off-load operational activities of ISRO in the areas of launch vehicle and satellite production, launch services as well as space based services. The NSIL will execute these activities through industry consortiums. Sivan said this move will allow ISRO to allocate more time and resources for R&amp;D endeavours. The ISRO will continue to carry out its present activities with greater emphasis on development of advanced technology, missions and capacity building besides supporting private endeavours in space sector. --IANS vj/in

New navigation policy on anvil, IN-SPACe to be separate vertical: ISRO chief

The Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro" source="Orion">ISRO</keyword>) is chalking out the crucial tasks to be done in 2022 and the steps to be taken to increase the number of satellite launches and its manufacturing, said a top official. He also said the regulator for private space sector players Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (INSPACe) having Ahmedabad as the headquarters has started hiring people for the top posts from ISRO. "ISRO is looking at the important tasks that can be done this year and the steps to be taken to increase the number of launches and also to increase satellite manufacturing," S.Somanath, Chairman ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space told IANS. According to him, the space agency will look at increasing the space missions with its rockets - Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), upcoming Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Most of the launches get bunched in the second half of the year and ISRO is looking at expanding it. The Indian space agency has to launch OCEANSAT-3, INS-2B, ANAND- by PSLV-C53 and Micro SAT by the newly developed small rocket Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in May. Further, the launch of four ton communication satellite GSAT-24 is also scheduled during the first quarter of this year using Ariane 5 rocket owned by Arianespace. The space agency is also looking at the government policy to increase the manufacturing of satellites. It is said the government has put ISRO on hold from manufacturing satellites without signing up the users upfront. According to Somanath, the industry feedback on the various draft policies issued for the private and public sector players has been received and the final policies will be announced. Questioned about the Space Activities Bill, he said the Bill is being drafted incorporating INSPACe as the earlier Bill was drafted before the announcement of space sector reforms and the regulator for the private players. The Space Activities Bill is being drafted incorporating INSPACe. The earlier Bill did not have INSPACe. SEE ALSO <a class="tout-title-link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/itc-paytm-zomato-among-stocks-to-watch-on-march-16/slidelist/90249211.cms">ITC, Paytm, Zomato among stocks to watch on March 16</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/india-logs-2876-new-covid-19-infections-and-98-fatalities-in-last-24-hours/articleshow/90252569.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">India logs 2,876 new COVID-19 infections and 98 fatalities in last 24 hours</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/russias-reliance-on-humanitarian-corridors-in-ukraine-comes-from-its-playbook-in-syria-experts-say/articleshow/90245670.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Russia's reliance on 'humanitarian corridors' in Ukraine comes from its playbook in Syria, experts say</a>

ISRO to chalk out plans to increase number of launches, satellite manufacturing

<ul><li>At the start of 2020, Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>) Chairman and Secretary Department of Space K. Sivan said that the space agency was planning to have 25 launches. </li><li>All was going well for ISRO after the crashlanding of India's moon lander Vikram on the lunar surface in 2019.</li><li>The first setback of the year for ISRO came on March 4, when it had to call off the launch of GISAT-1, a day before its actual launch, owing to technical reasons. </li></ul>What would have been an insipid first half of the calendar year 2020 for the Indian space agency turned a bit interesting towards the end, with the government announcing its decision to open up the sector to private participation. At the start of 2020, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman and Secretary Department of Space K. Sivan said that the space agency was planning to have 25 launches -- including Aditya-L1 satellite, <keyword id="1512353" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Geo-Imaging-Satellite">Geo Imaging Satellite</keyword> (GISAT-1), realisation of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) or small rocket (carrying capacity 500 kg), navigation satellite with indigenous atomic clocks and <keyword id="9550825" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-data-relay-satellite-system">Indian Data Relay Satellite System</keyword> (IDRSS), and GSAT-20 satellite with electric propulsion. Sivan also said India will embark on its third moon mission 'Chandrayaan-3' and attempt to land a lander on the lunar surface sometime in 2020-21. All was going well for ISRO after the crashlanding of India's moon lander Vikram on the lunar surface in 2019. The year began well ISRO with the launch of the 3,357 kg communication satellite GSAT-30 by the European space agency Arianespace rocket Ariane 5 on January 17. The ISRO also showcased its robot/half-humanoid -- Vyommitra - which was part of its human space mission programme 'Gaganyaan'. The first setback of the year for ISRO came on March 4, when it had to call off the launch of GISAT-1, a day before its actual launch, owing to technical reasons. The ISRO did not share any detail about the technical reasons, or the glitch, and its rectification since then. It is also not known when the satellite with a very good camera would be launched. Then came the Covid-19 lockdown within and outside India that had its cascading impact on ISRO's core plans like the realisation of SSLV, launch of GISAT-1, delay in the first test-flight of the rocket as part of Gaganyaan mission. "During the lockdown, industries that were supplying components were not working. Our own officials were not able to attend office. Further travel to Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh for satellite launch by the officials were not possible due to the lockdown," Sivan told IANS. It is also not known when ISRO will be able to restart its satellite launch operations. With coronavirus infection spreading fast in the county, ISRO also started work on developing a low-cost ventilator and sanitiser. Meanwhile, two positive developments happened for ISRO -- securing an Indian patent for its liquid cooling and heating garment (LCHG) suitable for space applications and for its method of manufacturing highland lunar soil simulant or simply lunar/moon soil. On May 16, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that Indian private sector will be a co-traveller in India's space-sector journey and a level-playing field will be provided for them in satellites, launches, and space-based services. She also said that a predictable policy and regulatory environment will be provided to private players. The future projects for planetary exploration, outer space travel and others are to be opened up for the private sector, adding there will be a liberal geo-spatial data policy for providing remote-sensing data to tech-entrepreneurs subject to various checks. Welcoming the announcement, sectoral experts suggested various models for restructuring of ISRO and also urged the government to set up an independent regulator and also enact necessary legislation. On June 24, the Union Cabinet decided to set up Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), making ISRO to focus on research and development (R&amp;D) of new technologies, exploration missions, and human spaceflight programme. Singh said the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to set up IN-SPACe to provide a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure. He also said the New Space India Limited (NSIL) will endeavour to re-orient space activities from a 'supply driven' model to 'demand driven' model, thereby ensuring optimum utilisation of the country's space assets. Former ISRO Chairman <keyword id="52158" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="madhavan-nair">Madhavan Nair</keyword> said there should be a national space law to define responsibilities and liabilities. Pointing out the role envisaged for IN-SPACe and the demand for a sectoral regulator, when queried whether the proposed body could be converted into the space sector regulator, Sivan told IANS: "IN-SPACe could be turned into a regulatory body when the necessary laws and regulations are in place." "We are on the job of getting ready the Space Activities Bill. It will define the space activities, liabilities and other aspects," he added. As part of the reform process, new navigation policy is also being proposed. Suitable changes in the remote sensing data policy as well as SATCOM policy are on the anvil to align them to an open and inclusive space sector, said Sivan. "The best is to establish an independent regulator -- <keyword id="9550824" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-regulatory-authority-of-india">Space Regulatory Authority of India</keyword> (SRAI) -- which will create a level-playing field for many of the emerging players," Narayan Prasad, Chief Operating Officer, satsearch, told IANS. Establishing an independent regulator could allow a systematic review and reforms on a continuous basis rather than one-off announcements, Prasad said. As per current scheme of things, IN-SPACe will have its own directorates for technical, legal, safety and security, monitoring as well as activities promotion for assessing the private sector's needs and coordination of the activities. IN-SPACe would have a board and representatives from industry, academia and the government, Sivan said. "Initially, IN-SPACe will be manned by people from the existing space setup. Later, people from outside will be taken in. It will have its funds from the budgetary allocations for the DoS. The new body may not need big financial allocations," Sivan remarked. Stressing that the ISRO's importance will not diminish with the entry of IN-SPACe, Sivan said all the existing centres - manufacturing, services, rocket launch centres - would continue to be with the ISRO. "The ISRO will be involved in research and development in advanced technologies, human space missions. It will also share its technological expertise with the private parties. The proposed new body will not disturb the existing ones. It will be another autonomous body," Sivan said. Industry officials are hoping to see further steps being taken by the government regarding the space sector during the second half of 2020. But as regards the satellite launches - domestic as well as foreign for a fee - by ISRO during the year depends on the spread or control of coronavirus and the resultant lockdown. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/photographer-of-the-viral-black-panther-images-from-india-shares-his-story/articleshow/76830618.cms">INTERVIEW: Shaaz Jung opens up about the blood, sweat and years behind the viral images of a rare black panther</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/harvard-and-mit-are-suing-ice-to-block-its-order-forcing-international-students-to-leave-the-us-if-their-course-is-online-only/articleshow/76856699.cms">Harvard, MIT, and Northeastern University are suing ICE to block its order forcing international students to leave the US if their course is online-only</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/russian-scammers-are-conning-senior-executives-into-giving-away-2-7-million-by-impersonating-real-ceos-and-lawyers/articleshow/76849870.cms">Russian scammers are conning senior executives into giving away $2.7 million by impersonating real CEOs and lawyers</a>

ISRO doesn't know when it will be ready to restart space launches

Chennai, June 25 (IANS) The proposed Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) could be turned into the sectoral regulator once necessary legal structure are there, according to K. Sivan, Secretary of the Department of Space (DoS) and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). On Wednesday the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its nod for opening up the space sector and for setting up of IN-SPACe to promote private sector's participation. The IN-SPACe will also ensure a level-playing field for private firms to use Indian space infrastructure. It will hand hold, promote and guide the private industries in space activities through encouraging policies and a friendly regulatory environment. Speaking to IANS, Sivan said, "We are on the job of getting ready the Space Activities Bill. It will define the space activities, liabilities and other aspects." According to Sivan, a new navigation policy is also being proposed. Suitable changes in the remote sensing data policy as well as SATCOM policy are on the anvil to align them to an open and inclusive space sector. Pointing out the role envisaged for IN-SPACe and the demand for a sectoral regulator, when queried whether the proposed body could be converted into the space sector regulator, Sivan said, "IN-SPACe could be turned into a regulatory body when the necessary laws and regulations are in place." Speaking to IANS earlier, Narayan Prasad, Chief Operating Officer, satsearch said, "The best is to establish an independent regulator -- Space Regulatory Authority of India (SRAI) -- which will create a level-playing field for many of the emerging players." Establishing an independent regulator could allow a systematic review and reforms on a continuous basis rather than one-off announcements, Prasad said. According to Sivan, IN-SPACe will have its own directorates for technical, legal, safety and security, monitoring as well as activities promotion for assessing the private sector's needs and coordination of the activities. IN-SPACe would have a board and representatives from industry, academia and the government, Sivan said. "Initially, IN-SPACe will be manned by people from the existing space setup. Later, people from outside will be taken in. It will have its funds from the budgetary allocations for the DoS. The new body may not need big financial allocations," Sivan said. No estimataion on the private investment the sector will attract after the opening-up has been done. "We will have an industry meet with the private sector in two weeks. Then we may get an estimate on investment potential," he said. Stressing that the ISRO's importance will not diminish with the entry of IN-SPACe, Sivan said all the existing centres - manufacturing, services, rocket launch centres - would continue to be with the ISRO. "The ISRO will be involved in research and development in advanced technologies, human space missions. It will also share its technological expertise with the private parties. The proposed new body will not disturb the existing ones. It will be another autonomous body," Sivan said. On the impact of Covid-19 on the ISRO launch missions, Sivan said, "All our missions were affected. The actual impact will have to be studied once the situation improves. The private industries manufacturing items for the ISRO were not functioning due to the lockdown. Our own officials were not able to travel." --IANS vj/pcj

IN-SPACe could be sectoral regulator once laws are in place: Sivan

The recently announced <keyword id="9460361" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-sector-reforms">space sector reforms</keyword> are not aimed at privatisation of Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>), its Chairman and Secretary in the Department of Space, K Sivan asserted on Thursday. The space agency also stated that the draft on the proposed space activity bill is almost final and it will soon be placed before the Union Cabinet for approval. "When space sector reforms were announced by the government there were many misconceptions like it would lead to privatisation of ISRO. It is not. Again and again I'm repeating it is not the privatisation of ISRO," Sivan said. Addressing a webinar on "Unlocking of India's Potential <keyword id="7412163" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="in-space">in Space</keyword> Sector," he said the whole aim of reforms is enabling the private players to carry out the space activities which is otherwise being done by ISRO. "In fact, the activities of ISRO are going to increase and ISRO will be able to better utilise its resources in taking up developmental as well as capacity building activities of the government, rather than the routine production activity," he added. The Union Cabinet on June 24 approved participation of the private sector in the entire range of space activities, including planetary exploration missions. It had said, the newly-created Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) will provide a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure, by hand-holding industries in space activities through encouraging policies and a friendly regulatory environment. Also, the New Space India Limited (NSIL), a PSU under the Department of Space, will endeavour to re-orient space activities from a "supply driven" model to a "demand driven" model, thereby ensuring optimum utilisation of our space assets, it had said. Noting that the space sector reform introduced by the government is going to be a "real game changer", Sivan said private sector participation in the space sector has been increasing worldwide and it is a healthy trend, as it increases diversity. In India too space sector startups are taking developmental activities in both launch vehicles as well as in satellites, he said. However, there was no mechanism available in the country to extend technology and infrastructure support to them. Also there was no regulatory mechanism to control the private sector activities, so an institutional mechanism has been created as part of reform. The webinar was attended by Principal Scientific Advisor to government of India K Vijay Raghavan, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil B Mittal among others. Further observing that with the opening of the space sector, ISRO can focus on technology development and capacity building Sivan said in addition to that it will also facilitate private sector participation in major national missions through announcement of opportunity. However, the private sector will have to do their own research and development activities, business viability studies, funding as well as finding customers for their services, he said. Pointing out that import of communication satellites is now in the embargo list under 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan', the ISRO Chief said there will be a need for large number of communication satellites to be launched in the immediate future and this could be a huge opportunity for ISRO and also for the private sector. Launching a small satellite is another area where there is a huge projected demand and some startups are interacting with ISRO at an advanced stage and may launch very soon. According to ISRO officials, more than 500 industries are currently involved in activities such as production of components and more than 80 per cent of the launch vehicle and 60 per cent of the spacecraft budget is spent on industry. Scientific Secretary to ISRO, R Uma Maheshwaran said participation of the private sector in end-end space activities is definitely a strategy to expand the space economy. Noting that the private sector is much eager now, he said a lot of people are coming forward to make launch vehicles, and satellites and providing space based services. Uma Maheshwaran also said a mechanism is required regarding the indulgence of the private sector and for this, enactment of the space activity bill is a primary requisite. "It (bill) is almost in its final shape now, we have presented it to the Ministry (PMO) for inter-ministerial consultation and we feel that very soon it will be approved by the Cabinet and presented to the Parliament for making it an act. This is mandatory as India is signatory to the outer space treaty," he added. Vijay Raghavan, noting a lack of risk capital for industry to sufficiently invest in R&amp;D, said risk needs to be mitigated and for this the combination of talent and material resources, partnering with industry is needed. The opening of the space sector in India will have its impact globally, and also all sectors in India, he said adding that ".. this is an opportunity to increase volume and quality in extraordinary ways." Suggesting that space may well become the new "gold rush", Anand Mahindra said though India has an established and credible space programme, its share of the market is miniscule and he was sure that beginning now it will change with the entry of the private sector. "... it is our opportunity to level the playing field, by leveraging our competitive advantages and we have to seize it now," he said, while admitting that industry and private sector are often "uneasy bedfellows", but we have to make these reforms work as it is the best way forward". Sunil Mittal stressed on the need for the policy on participation of private sector in space programme to be "light-touch" but said it should be very strong on security, foreign policy aspects and some of the guidelines need to be very clear so that industry participants know how to operate within the policy framework. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/gmail-down-users-report-being-unable-to-send-emails-and-attach-files/articleshow/77648762.cms">Gmail down — users report being unable to send emails and attach files</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/kepler-supernova-exploded-400-years-ago-but-hasnt-slowed-down-and-two-pieces-of-debris-are-headed-towards-earth/articleshow/77646381.cms">Kepler supernova exploded 400 years ago but hasn’t slowed down — and two pieces of debris are headed towards Earth</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/supreme-court-rejects-prashant-bhushans-plea-to-delay-sentence-hearing-on-twitter-case/articleshow/77649463.cms">Prashant Bhushan rejects Supreme Court's offer to delay sentence but is given two to three days to reconsider statement</a>

ISRO Chairman K Sivan asserts that space sector reforms are not aimed at privatising the agency

The Department of Space on Thursday said it has signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Chennai-based small rocket company <keyword id="7122982" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="agnikul-cosmos">Agnikul Cosmos</keyword> Pvt Ltd to access the facilities and technical expertise available in <keyword id="116095" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Space-Research-Organisation">Indian Space Research Organisation</keyword> (<keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>) centres. According to DoS, this is the first NDA to be signed after the establishment of IN-SPACe, the authorization and regulatory body for enabling private players to undertake space activities in India. Under the NDA, Agnikul Cosmos will be enabled to access the facilities and technical expertise available in ISRO centres to proceed with their launch vehicle development programme. The start-up company is located in the National Centre for Combustion Research and Development, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. The NDA was signed in the presence of Space Secretary and ISRO Chairman Dr. K Sivan, and IIT-Madras Director Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi. R. Umamaheswaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO, was the signatory on behalf of Department of Space for the NDA and Agnikul Cosmos CEO Srinath Ravichandran on behalf of the company. The ISRO officials assured all support to Agnikul Cosmos for testing and qualifying its rocket. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/sbis-mobile-banking-app-is-down-for-the-third-time-in-last-30-days/articleshow/79548953.cms">SBI’s mobile banking app is down for the third time in 30 days — digital services take a hit for the 25th time this year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/ultratech-cements-5477-crore-expansion-plan-is-a-sign-that-birla-is-betting-on-a-faster-economic-recovery/articleshow/79549626.cms">UltraTech Cement's ₹5,477 crore expansion plan is a sign that Birla is betting on a faster economic recovery</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/rbi-directs-hdfc-bank-to-suspend-its-digital-business-and-new-credit-cards-amid-rising-incidents-of-outages/articleshow/79542055.cms">RBI tells HDFC Bank to stop new digital launches and selling new credit cards after recent outages of online banking</a>

ISRO gives a rocket building startup access to its facilities

President Droupadi Murmu, on Friday visited an exhibition to showcase space technologies and achievements, at Bharat Mandapam, on the maiden <keyword id="22301946" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="National-Space-Day" source="keywords">National Space Day</keyword>. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and <keyword id="19915124" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ISRO" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="ISRO" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="ISRO">ISRO</keyword> Chairman S Somanath were also present. <keyword id="19939985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="President-Murmu" source="keywords">President Murmu</keyword> extended her greetings on the occasion of the first National Space Day and welcomed the decision to celebrate Space Day on the day <keyword id="19990220" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chandrayaan" source="keywords">Chandrayaan</keyword> landed on the <keyword id="19899207" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="moon" source="keywords">Moon</keyword>. "It was a glorious moment for all the Indians when ISRO's Chandrayaan landed on the moon. I saw the live telecast of that moment, I was so proud that day like other Indians. To celebrate National Space Day on this occasion is a commendable step. I congratulate all of you on the first National Space Day. ISRO has achieved many feats since its inception". She also expressed her happiness with the student's participation in the event "Happy to see students' participation in this event." Highlighting the significance of <keyword id="19929542" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-exploration" source="keywords">space exploration</keyword>, she added "Space exploration has extended human's ability and help complete the imagination of humankind. Space exploration is exciting and challenging at the same time. Health, transportation, environment, energy, security and information technology are benefitted due to the growth in the <keyword id="20242397" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-sector" source="keywords">space sector</keyword>". The president termed the growth of the ISRO as extraordinary, "The growth of <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s space sector is extraordinary, be it Mangalyan mission that was accomplished through minimum resources or launching more than 100 satellites at a time. we have achieved many such feats". She also praised the introduction of private players in the space sector in the country, "Introducing of the private sector in Indian has led to the formation of many <keyword id="22829456" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-start-ups" source="keywords">space start-ups</keyword> in India. This has allowed the youths of India to explore the space sector". Expressing her happiness about ISRO's plan to make <keyword id="20793131" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-mission" source="keywords">space mission</keyword> debris-free she said "I am happy that India is moving towards making India's space mission debris-free by 2030". India celebrated its first-ever National Space Day on Friday on the theme "Touching Lives While Touching the Moon: India's Space Saga". On 23 August 2023, India achieved a historic milestone when the Chandrayaan-3 lander completed a soft landing on the moon. This remarkable accomplishment made India the 4th country to accomplish this feat and the 1st to land on the lunar South Pole. In recognition of this achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared August 23 as National Space Day.

"A glorious moment for all Indians when Chandrayaan landed on moon" says President Murmu on National Space Day

Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh), The first quarter of 2021 will see Indian space agency's till ringing with the commercial launch of Brazilian satellite Amazonia as well as three Indian satellites, said a top official. "End of February or early March 2021, we will be sending our rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C51 (PSLV-C51). The primary payload will be the Brazilian satellite called Amazonia an earth observation satellite," K. Sivan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>), told IANS. "The PSLV-C51 mission will be a very special mission not only for ISRO but also for India as the rocket will be carrying the earth observation satellite Anand made by an Indian startup called Pixxel (Incorporated as Syzygy Space Technologies Pvt Ltd)," Sivan said. "Within eight months of setting up of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) after the government announced the opening up of the space sector for private players, ISRO will be launching the first satellite of an Indian startup," Sivan added. He said the Pixxel satellite will be an advanced earth observation satellite. The Bengaluru-based private satellite company Syzygy Space Technologies Pvt Ltd, commonly known as Pixxel, plans to have its constellation of 30 small earth observation satellites up in the sky by the end of 2022. Queried whether ISRO will be offering a bulk rate for Pixxel to launch its satellites, Sivan answered in affirmation. "Pixxel's first satellite is for demonstrating the technology. The company also said they would like to launch their satellites with our rocket," Sivan said. "Our second satellite will be flown by US company SpaceX next year. We have looked at various options, including Russian rocket. We would prefer ISRO as logistically it is convenient for us," Awais Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer, Syzygy Space Technologies, had told IANS. According to Ahmed, the company will also look at ISRO's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) for future launches as it would work out cheaper. Normally, a rocket company charges a carriage fee between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 per kg. The SSLV may work out cheaper, he had said. Sivan also said the PSLV-C51 rocket will carry a communication satellite built by the students part of city-based Space Kidz India and another satellite built by consortium of three Indian universities. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/unilever-climate-change-plan-opened-to-shareholders-as-amazons-climate-pledge-battles-criticism/articleshow/79776633.cms">Unilever is opening up its climate action plan to shareholders as Amazon's Climate Pledge battles criticism</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/fake-instagram-facebook-and-vimeo-extensions-on-google-chrome-can-steal-personal-information-and-location/articleshow/79773977.cms">Fake Instagram, Facebook, and Vimeo extensions on Google Chrome can ‘hijack’ your URL, steal personal information and track your location</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/supercomputer-shows-tropical-cyclones-hitting-india-are-going-get-more-destructive-that-is-until-the-flooding-starts/articleshow/79764803.cms">Supercomputer shows tropical cyclones hitting India are going get more destructive — that is until the flooding starts</a>

You Searched For "ISRO private players" and got 11 results

A new Indian government company will sell space technology to private players

Sanchita Dash

ISRO creates a space for the private industry, to collaborate for 27 satellites

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ISRO’s commercial operations clock in over ₹60 billion in revenue but leaves private players out of the equation

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New navigation policy on anvil, IN-SPACe to be separate vertical: ISRO chief

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ISRO to chalk out plans to increase number of launches, satellite manufacturing

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ISRO doesn't know when it will be ready to restart space launches

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IN-SPACe could be sectoral regulator once laws are in place: Sivan

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ISRO Chairman K Sivan asserts that space sector reforms are not aimed at privatising the agency

PTI

ISRO gives a rocket building startup access to its facilities

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"A glorious moment for all Indians when Chandrayaan landed on moon" says President Murmu on National Space Day

ANI

ISRO to kick off 2021 by launching its first Indian start-up passenger into space aboard the PSLV-C51

IANS

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You Searched For "ISRO private players" and got 11 results

A new Indian government company will sell space technology to private players

Sanchita Dash

ISRO creates a space for the private industry, to collaborate for 27 satellites

Prabhjote Gill

ISRO’s commercial operations clock in over ₹60 billion in revenue but leaves private players out of the equation

Prabhjote Gill

New navigation policy on anvil, IN-SPACe to be separate vertical: ISRO chief

IANS

ISRO to chalk out plans to increase number of launches, satellite manufacturing

IANS

ISRO doesn't know when it will be ready to restart space launches

IANS

IN-SPACe could be sectoral regulator once laws are in place: Sivan

IANS

ISRO Chairman K Sivan asserts that space sector reforms are not aimed at privatising the agency

PTI

ISRO gives a rocket building startup access to its facilities

IANS

"A glorious moment for all Indians when Chandrayaan landed on moon" says President Murmu on National Space Day

ANI

​​ISRO to kick off 2021 by launching its first Indian start-up passenger into space aboard the PSLV-C51

IANS

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ISRO to kick off 2021 by launching its first Indian start-up passenger into space aboard the PSLV-C51