Startups have already shown interest in In-SPACe, says Isro Chairman

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2020-06-29 04:07:03

Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) said that In-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), the new national nodal agency, which was approved by the Cabinet in the middle of the week, would take 6 months to start functioning and had seen interest from startups, while larger players were yet to come out with their proposals.

“Isro’s projects including Chandrayaan 3 are in progress, but have been delayed due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic,” said K Sivan, chairman of Isro.

Speaking to reporters, Sivan said, “We have not received proposals from big players, but have seen interest from the start ups for projects ranging from satellite making to service providing. We hope that the big players will also come forward so that we can expand our presence in the global space market.”

Private firms are allowed activities in launch vehicles, satellites, space faring services and in ground operations for system readiness. The startups have shown interest in all the four areas. The private players may have to develop launch pads if they are going for satellite launches, though Isro will support them in their activities. They can also join in developing specific technologies for human spaceflight programmes and other missions.