The way is open for private companies to design and develop satellite-bus platforms in the country. This will greatly help in reducing dependence on imports. Space regulator Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-Space) said in a statement that the new initiative, called Satellite Bus as a Service, aims to help private companies working in the space sector to design and develop small satellite bus platforms for hosted payload applications.
Under this programme, IN-SPACe will support companies to build satellite bus platforms in two phases. In the first phase, four Indian NGOs will be selected based on their technical capabilities to develop a modular, multi-mission satellite bus system. In the second phase, the companies will be supported with up to two hosted payload missions to demonstrate the utility of the platform.
Through this initiative, IN-SPACe invites applications from eligible agencies to design, develop, and manufacture small satellite bus systems capable of launching multiple payloads. Through this, we hope to make the country a global service provider of small satellite buses and hosted payload services in collaboration with both the government and private sectors. “
The government wants to facilitate access to the flight platform as well as reduce the time spent in orbit and enable payload developers to perform in-orbit demonstrations. Rajiv Jyoti, Director, Technical Directorate, IN-SPACe, said, ‘Satellite Bus as a Service is designed to bridge the gap between the payload developer and the satellite platform. By providing a standardized, modular bus platform, we provide an affordable solution for in-orbit verification of diverse payloads. This initiative will accelerate the development cycle of emerging technologies and enhance the country’s ability to provide all kinds of facilities related to the space sector.’
IN-SPACe was formed in June 2020 following the decision of the Central Government to open up the space sector for private companies and ensure their participation in related activities. IN-SPACe acts as a single-window, independent, and nodal agency to address various issues related to promoting, enabling, authorizing, and supervising various space activities of non-government companies working in the space sector. It acts as an autonomous agency in the Department of Space.