India Opens Orbital Slot for Private Sector Satellite Builders

India's space regulator, IN-SPACe, has announced an opportunity for private companies to develop and manage a communications satellite, marking a significant step in encouraging private sector participation in the space industry. The initiative is part of India's broader aim to enhance its role in the global space economy.

India’s space regulator, IN-SPACe, unveiled a new opportunity on Wednesday for private sector companies to build and operate a communications satellite. The regulator is offering an orbital slot to facilitate services such as telephone, television, radio, and internet.

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) released its latest Announcement of Opportunity to grant Indian Orbital Resources to Non-Government Entities (NGEs). Chairman Pawan Goenka emphasized that this initiative reflects the government’s ambition to empower Indian NGEs with the necessary resources to thrive and contribute to India's ascent in the global space economy.

The initiative seeks applicants with Indian management and specific technical and financial qualifications to own and operate a Geostationary Orbit satellite for communication services. “This Announcement of Opportunity is a game-changing chance for NGEs to join the global space economy and create a leading communication satellite system,” noted Goenka.

The deadline for application submission is September 15, 2024. Recently, IN-SPACe also invited private companies to collaborate in developing a space-based Earth Observation (EO) system under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The EO proposal involves designing and deploying a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites with diverse sensor technologies. It also includes satellite launches via Indian launch vehicles and the establishment of ground stations for spacecraft health monitoring and data reception.

Furthermore, IN-SPACe authorized Azista BST Aerospace Private Limited, Hyderabad, to set up and operate a UHF frequency band ground station to support its satellites and provide Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS) to both Indian and international clients.