110 IN-SPACe authorisations issued to pvt players since 2020

Since the space sector reform in 2020, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), a nodal agency that acts as an interface between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and non-governmental entities (NGEs), has issued 110 authorisations to private parties for various space activities, including technology transfer.

These transfers are aimed at driving commercialisation, strengthening self-reliance, reducing imports and enabling wider applications of space technologies in sectors such as automotive, biomedical and industrial manufacturing.

In a written response, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said, “IN-SPACe has facilitated two successful sub-orbital flights from Indian space start-ups viz Skyroot and Agnikul in November 2022 and May 2024. Besides, six non-government entities have launched 19 satellites in orbit. IN-SPACe has also signed an MOU with the Governments of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It is also partnering with other state governments to establish dedicated space-manufacturing clusters across India, focusing on developing a robust ecosystem for manufacturing space-grade components.”

IN-SPACe has also facilitated the technology transfer of the small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV) from ISRO to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

He said to further expedite private sector involvement and attract global investments, the government had introduced a liberalised and investor-friendly FDI policy for the space sector, enabling technology transfer, international collaborations, and capital infusion. The Minister also highlighted that multiple investment schemes, such as the IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme, the Technology Adoption Fund (TAF), and a Rs 1000 crore Venture Capital Fund, have been instituted to support start-ups and innovation-driven enterprises.

Apart from this NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a commercial arm of ISRO has signed 70 technology transfer agreements to transfer technologies developed at ISRO to industry.

The Minister also stated that these agreements contain explicit confidentiality clauses to protect commercially sensitive information. “However, NSIL has furnished the names and details of the Indian Industries to which technologies developed by ISRO have been transferred, pursuant to requests under the RTI Act,” Singh said.