India Approves New Space Policy 2023: Boost for Private Sector and ISRO Missions

The Indian government has approved a new space policy that aims to boost private sector participation and enhance the role of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) missions. The policy, called Indian Space Policy 2023, lays down the roles and responsibilities of various organisations, including ISRO, NewSpace India Limited and private sector entities. The move is aimed at bringing clarity to the roles of different components and providing a framework for the development of the Indian space sector.

“The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the Indian Space Policy, 2023 under which roles and responsibilities of organisations such as ISRO, NewSpace India Limited and private sector entities have been laid down. The government had earlier opened up the space sector for the private sector to help boost development of the segment.

"In brief, it will offer clarity in the role of the components set up (in the recent past)," Union Minister Jitendra Singh told reporters in New Delhi. He said the policy will aim to enhance the role of Department of Space, boost activities of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) missions and give a larger participation of research, academia, startups and industry.

Boost for Private Sector Participation

One of the key features of the new policy is the emphasis on private sector participation in the Indian space sector. The policy paves the way for private sector entities to build and launch their own satellites, build launchpads and ground stations, and perform end-to-end space activities such as data collection and dissemination. Private sector participation in the space sector is expected to give a boost to space startups in India and drive the space economy opportunity for the country.

Indian National Space Promotion & Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe)

The Indian National Space Promotion & Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is a new entity established under the policy to encourage space activities by private entities. IN-SPACe will act as a single-window clearing agency and will allow registration and provide authorisation for space activities. The role of IN-SPACe is expected to provide a much-needed framework for private sector participation in the Indian space sector.

Role of Department of Space

The new policy aims to enhance the role of the Department of Space in the development of the Indian space sector. The policy aims to encourage more participation from research academia, startups, and industry in space activities. The role of the Department of Space is expected to be critical in driving the development of the Indian space sector and providing a framework for private sector participation.

Boost for ISRO Missions

The new policy also aims to boost the activities of ISRO missions. ISRO will focus on advanced space technology and research and development, and share its technologies, products, and processes with private agencies. The policy is expected to give a larger participation of research, academia, startups, and industry in ISRO missions, and enable the emboldening of research academia to participate in the space sector.

Reaction from the Space Industry

The Indian space industry has lauded the government's move on the new space policy. Lt Gen AK Bhatt (retd.), director general of the Indian Space Association, called the move a historic moment that will pave the way forward with much-required clarity in space reforms and augment private industry participation to drive the space economy opportunity for the country. The space industry has been waiting for the new policy for some time and is keen to see the details of the policy.