Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center | 18 Sep 2020
Why in News
Recently, the Government of India has created the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), an independent nodal agency under the Department of Space.
- This move is a part of the reforms announced under the economic stimulus packages.
Key Points
- IN-SPACe is to be established as a single-window nodal agency, with its own cadre, which will permit and oversee the activities of private companies.
- This is part of reforms aimed at giving a boost to the private sector participating in space-related activities or using India’s space resources.
- Functions:
- Encourage, promote and handhold the private sector for their participation in the Space Sector.
- Currently, there are more than 500 private companies which partner with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in carrying out various space activities.
- They provide materials used in manufacturing, mechanical fabrication, electronic fabrication, system development, integration, etc.
- Draw up an integrated launch manifest considering the requirements for ISRO, New Space India Limited (NSIL) and private companies based on priorities and readiness level.
- After these reforms are implemented fully, the role of NSIL would be to build launch vehicles, provide launch services, build satellites, provide space-based services, technology transfers, etc.
- Work out a suitable mechanism to offer sharing of technology, expertise and facilities on free of cost wherever feasible or at reasonable cost basis to promote private companies.
- The government will allow utilising those infrastructures of ISRO which are otherwise not available elsewhere in India.
- Permit establishment of facilities, within ISRO premises, based on safety norms and feasibility assessment.
- Encourage, promote and handhold the private sector for their participation in the Space Sector.
- The decision of IN-SPACe shall be final and binding on all stakeholders including ISRO and private players will not be required to seek separate permission from ISRO.