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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="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

<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

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 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

<ul><li><keyword id="7122982" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="agnikul-cosmos" source="Orion">Agnikul Cosmos</keyword>, a private sector rocket maker could launch its first test before the end of 2022.</li><li>The company also opened its first 3D-printed rocket engine factory located at the IIT Madras Research Park.</li><li>The company has also joined hands with <keyword id="6358064" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ISRO" source="Orion">ISRO</keyword>, enabling access to the former ISRO facilities and expertise in the development of <keyword id="7186733" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="space-launch-vehicles" source="Orion">Space Launch Vehicles</keyword>.</li></ul>Private sector rocket maker <keyword id="6966273" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="agnikul" source="Orion">Agnikul</keyword> Cosmos is pushing itself hard to have its first test launch before the end of 2022, said a top official. "We are planning to test launch our rocket Agnibaan before 2022 end. Our plan is to launch the rocket from a mobile launch pad. The test launch will happen from India's rocket port Sriharikota belonging to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Srinath <keyword id="38557" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ravichandran" source="Orion">Ravichandran</keyword>, Co-founder and CEO, Agnikul Cosmos told IANS. Queried about the payload to be carried, Ravichandran said it will be a dummy payload. Agnibaan is a two stage rocket with 100 kg payload capacity to orbits around 700 km high (low Earth orbits) and enables plug-and-play configuration. The company recently opened its first 3D printed rocket engine factory located at the IIT Madras Research Park. The factory has been designed keeping in mind the ability to produce two rocket engines per week for its rocket Agnibaan. When queried about plans to have the test launch sometime next month S.R. Chakravarthy, Professor and Head, National Centre for Combustion Research and Development, IIT Madras and Advisor to Agnikul told IANS: "We have been working towards it all the while but nothing is fixed yet." According to Ravichandran, the plan is to have the test launch before the end of 2022. He also said the ISRO is rendering great help to Agnikul. The Agnikul and ISRO have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last year, enabling access to the former to ISRO facilities and expertise towards the development and testing of subsystems/systems of Space Launch Vehicles. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/deals-on-smart-4k-tvs-from-samsung-lg-redmi-and-more-on-amazon/articleshow/94396364.cms">Big discounts on smart 4K TVs from Samsung, LG, Redmi and more on Amazon</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/amazon-great-indian-festival-best-deals-on-gaming-laptops-from-asus-hp-acer-dell-and-more/articleshow/94359431.cms">Amazon Great Indian Festival: Best deals on gaming laptops from Asus, HP, Acer, Dell and more</a>

Agnikul to launch Agnibaan rocket before 2022

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>

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

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

<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

<ul><li>The Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>) is looking to top <keyword id="6355315" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="elon-musk">Elon Musk</keyword>'s <keyword id="6360701" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="spacex">SpaceX</keyword> success by applying reusable launch technology (RLT) to their <keyword id="1557817" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="rocket-launches">rocket launches</keyword>. </li><li>Unlike SpaceX, who only used RLT in the first stage of a rocket launch, ISRO's wants to apply it to the second stage as well. </li><li>The application of RLT to the second stage of a rocket launch is something that no other space agency in the world has been able to achieve so far.</li></ul>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is following in Elon Musk’s footsteps by trying to replicate the success SpaceX had with its reusable launch technology (RLT). It’s even looking to take it a lot further. SpaceX was only able to apply RLT to the first stage of a rocket launch, but ISRO wants to conduct an advanced version that will also carry into the second stage. The test is scheduled to take place between the months of June and July, later this year. <keyword id="2003919" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="K-Sivan">K Sivan</keyword>, the Chairman at ISRO, told the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-developing-technology-to-reuse-first-second-stages-of-rocket/articleshow/67532655.cms">Times of India</a>, “The second stage recovery has never been tried by any other space agency in the world, not even SpaceX.” ISRO’s success with this mission could make it a bigger part of the global market that’s set to grow to $7 billion by 2024. Building on ISRO’s commercial success Reusable launch technology (RLT) basically allows the company to re-use its first stage rocket for multiple launches. Not only does it save the company money, but also time that would be spent building a rocket from scratch. ISRO has already had some <a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/update/23-may-2016/india%E2%80%99s-reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-demonstrator-rlv-td-successfully">success</a> with it back in 2016 when it launched the HS9 solid rocket booster from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) on board the HS9 survived re-entry and neatly landed in the designated area over the Bay of Bengal. Currently, SpaceX dominates the global market for rocket launches. Starting out in 2009, it was able to capture more than 50% of the market share by 2018 — largely due to their use of reusable technology. On the other hand, Antrix Corporation Limited, the commercial and marketing arm of ISRO, only caters to 0.6% of the global market. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-nasa-just-spotted-a-black-hole-spinning-so-fast-that-it-could-be-making-space-itself-rotate/articleshow/66416605.cms">ISRO, NASA just spotted a black hole spinning so fast that it could be making space itself rotate</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-pads-up-to-make-indias-manned-mission-into-space-a-reality/articleshow/64887057.cms">ISRO pads up to make India's manned mission into space a reality</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-creates-a-space-for-the-private-industry-to-collaborate-for-27-satellites/articleshow/65073240.cms">ISRO creates a space for the private industry, to collaborate for 27 satellites</a>

India’s apex space agency is following Elon Musk's idea — and taking it a step forward

The Luxembourg-based <keyword id="9920040" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="kleos-space">Kleos Space</keyword>, a space-powered Radio Frequency Reconnaissance data-as-a-service (DaaS) company on Friday said its Kleos Scouting Mission satellites are expected to be launched during the first half of November 2020 by Indian rocket PSLV. "The Company has been informed (by NSIL via Spaceflight Inc.) that the launch of the four Kleos satellites planned on-board PSLV-C49 mission is being targeted during the 1st half of November 2020, based on the current status of planning of activities. This schedule is subject to change due to operational circumstances beyond NSIL control," Kleos Space said. "The rocket launch is done by ISRO (<keyword id="116095" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Space-Research-Organisation">Indian Space Research Organisation</keyword>). We are facilitating commercial launches," G. Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) told IANS. The NSIL is a commercial space company under Department of Space (DOS). According to Narayanan, the actual launch date of the rocket <keyword id="622933" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Polar-Satellite-Launch-Vehicle">Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle</keyword> (PSLV C49) will be finalised ISRO. Kleos said it is launching the scouting satellites under a rideshare contract with Spaceflight Inc, with the launch managed by NSIL. The Kleos Scouting Mission's four satellites have been mission-ready since the middle of 2019, and were shipped to the launch site (Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh) during February, anticipating the launch during March. Delay to the launch from March has been due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic situation, Kleos said. "In due course, NSIL via Spaceflight Inc. will confirm the exact launch date once the activities at the launch base progress successfully," Kleos said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-doubles-down-on-startups-and-msme-for-space-technology-launches-seed-program-and-reviews-over-200-applications-under-arise-mission/articleshow/78037431.cms">ISRO doubles down on startups and MSME for space technology — launches SEED program and reviews over 200 applications under ARISE mission</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-wholeheartedly-invites-the-private-sector-to-make-india-a-global-technology-powerhouse/articleshow/76618927.cms">ISRO 'wholeheartedly' invites the private sector to make India a 'global technology powerhouse'</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-may-quietly-gain-a-cost-advantage-despite-the-delay-in-gaganyaan-and-chandrayaan-3-says-an-expert/articleshow/75546034.cms">ISRO may quietly gain a cost advantage despite the delay in Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan 3, says an expert</a>

You Searched For "isro private companies" and got 11 results

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

Sanchita Dash

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

Prabhjote Gill

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

Prabhjote Gill

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

IANS

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

PTI

Agnikul to launch Agnibaan rocket before 2022

IANS

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

IANS

ISRO gives a rocket building startup access to its facilities

IANS

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

IANS

India’s apex space agency is following Elon Musk's idea — and taking it a step forward

Prabhjote Gill

ISRO may launch four Kleos Space satellites in November — ending COVID-19 hiatus

IANS

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You Searched For "isro private companies" and got 11 results

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

Sanchita Dash

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

Prabhjote Gill

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

Prabhjote Gill

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

IANS

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

PTI

Agnikul to launch Agnibaan rocket before 2022

IANS

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

IANS

ISRO gives a rocket building startup access to its facilities

IANS

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

IANS

India’s apex space agency is following Elon Musk's idea — and taking it a step forward

Prabhjote Gill

ISRO may launch four Kleos Space satellites in November — ending COVID-19 hiatus

IANS

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Buying Guides

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