Srinagar, Dec 10 (KINS): Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today told the Lok Sabha that the Government has implemented major reforms over the past four years to significantly increase private sector participation in India’s space ecosystem, following the landmark Space Sector Reforms of 2020.
He said the Government has established a robust policy, regulatory and promotional framework to unlock India’s space economy and empower Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) to participate across the entire value chain—from manufacturing and launch services to satellite operations and applications.
Dr Singh informed the House that the Indian Space Policy 2023 clearly defines the roles of all stakeholders and sets a long-term roadmap for the country’s space ecosystem. To further accelerate private participation and attract global investment, the Government has also rolled out a liberalised FDI policy for the sector, enabling technology transfers, global collaborations and greater capital flow.
To strengthen innovation-led growth, he said the Government has launched several targeted funding mechanisms, including the IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme, the Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) and a ₹1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund to support start-ups and emerging space enterprises.
Dr Singh highlighted that IN-SPACe, the nodal agency for private sector promotion, has introduced multiple enabling measures, including the release of a Decadal Vision for developing the Indian space economy. The agency is also providing open access to Earth Observation data, launch services, ISRO facilities, technology-sharing platforms and design labs—greatly reducing entry barriers for new players.
As a result, the reforms have led to 110 authorised space activities so far, while more than 600 applications from NGEs have been processed for testing support, mentorship, authorisation and technology transfer. IN-SPACe has also facilitated connections between Indian start-ups and global agencies to boost international collaborations.
The Minister noted that ISRO’s technologies are being transferred widely to industry partners, including the transfer of SSLV technology to HAL. A new Catalogue of Indian Standards for Space Industry, developed with ISRO and BIS, will ensure quality, reliability and standardisation of private sector-manufactured space systems. Skill development remains central, with 11 specialised courses training over 700 individuals nationwide.
Showcasing India’s growing private space capability, Dr Singh said IN-SPACe has facilitated two successful sub-orbital launches—Skyroot’s mission in 2022 and Agnikul’s in 2024. Additionally, six NGEs have launched 19 satellites, and one private company has been allotted an orbital slot for communication services.
IN-SPACe has also set up a state-of-the-art Technical Centre in Ahmedabad, launched Antariksh Prayogshalas (Centres of Excellence) in academic institutions, and partnered with States like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to develop dedicated space manufacturing clusters. A major ₹1,200 crore PPP project to build India’s first commercial Earth Observation satellite constellation has also been awarded.
Dr Singh concluded that IN-SPACe has so far issued 110 Authorisations, signed 95 Joint Project & Implementation Plans, supported seven start-ups under the Seed Fund Scheme, and trained nearly 700 individuals—reflecting the Government’s strong commitment to building a dynamic, innovative and globally competitive private space sector in India.(KINS)
