Govt Unveils Strategic Steps to Empower Startups in India’s Space Program

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 9th Feb. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology on Thursday revealed the government’s concerted efforts to foster startup growth and propel India’s space endeavours.

Outlined in his written statement in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Dr Singh mentioned several strategic measures initiated to bolster the startup ecosystem and elevate the nation’s space programme:

1. Launch of Indian Space Policy 2023: The government has released the Indian Space Policy 2023, delineating the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders within the Indian space ecosystem.

2. Support Schemes by IN-SPACe: IN-SPACe has introduced various schemes such as the Seed Fund Scheme, Pricing Support Policy, Mentorship support, Design Lab for NGEs, Skill Development in Space Sector, ISRO facility utilization support, and Technology Transfer to NGEs to stimulate private sector participation.

3. MoUs with Non-Government Entities (NGEs): IN-SPACe has inked 51 MoUs with NGEs to facilitate support for the realization of space systems and applications, aiming to boost industry involvement in manufacturing launch vehicles and satellites.

4. Startup Registration: Approximately 189 startups have been registered on the Digital Platform.

5. Future Space Missions: While ISRO currently has no plans for Deep Space Probes, it is actively engaged in conceptualization studies for advanced space exploration missions, including the continuation of human spaceflight programs and further lunar missions.

The “Make in India” initiative in the space sector underscores the government’s strategic approach to enhance domestic manufacturing, innovation, and self-reliance. Notable achievements over the past five years include commercial launches of LVM3 & PSLV, development of SSLV, earth observation satellites, navigation satellites, lunar missions, and progress towards human space flight endeavors.

Key highlights of the Make in India initiative and its outcomes encompass the development of critical technologies, industrial ecosystems, and space hardware manufacturing facilities both within ISRO and by Indian NGEs.

These initiatives signify a significant leap forward in India’s space journey, showcasing indigenous capabilities and fostering collaboration between the government and the private sector to propel the nation’s space aspirations to new heights.