Follow Us on Google news
On Thursday, the Indian government approved the Indian Space Policy 2023, which aims to involve the private sector in the space sector. This step is expected to enable the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to focus on the research and development of advanced space technologies.
The Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the policy, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of ISRO, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe).
According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, the Indian Space Policy will provide clarity regarding the role of the newly established components. The policy will allow the private sector to participate in all aspects of space activities, including the construction of satellites, rockets, and launch vehicles, as well as data collection and dissemination.
Strategic activities related to the space sector will be carried out by NSIL, a public sector undertaking under the Department of Space, which will work in a demand-driven mode.
The focus of the Space Policy is to increase private sector participation in the space sector, according to ISRO Chairman S Somanath. INSPACe, created recently, will be the interface between ISRO and non-governmental entities, he said.
The policy also outlines the framework for the private sector to use ISRO facilities for a small charge and encourages them to invest in creating new infrastructure for the sector.
Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (retd.), Director General of the Indian Space Association, described the approval of the Indian Space Policy 2023 as a historic moment that would provide much-needed clarity in space reforms and boost private industry participation to drive the space economy opportunity for the country.