ISRO Technologies Handover to Private Companies

The transfers focus on promoting commercialization, enhancing self-sufficiency, decreasing imports, and facilitating broader uses of space technologies in fields like automotive, biomedical, and industrial manufacturing.

Transferred Technologies

For Biomedical Application: The Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic (LTCC) Multi-Chip Module created by the Space Application Centre (SAC) allows for the consolidation of several semiconductor chips into one, compact unit.

This has been obtained for RT-PCR kits that necessitate large-scale production.

For bonding solar panels: The RTV Silicone Single-Part Adhesive (SILCEM R9), created by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is an adhesive that cures at room temperature.

It has been obtained for adhering solar panels.

For industrial application: Three additional technologies are passed on to three entities for industrial application.

India's portion in the Space Sector

India's space sector is valued at $8 billion, accounting for 2-3% of the worldwide space economy, with projections of increasing to 8% by 2030 and reaching 15% by 2047.

India is ranked fifth worldwide in the number of space companies, with more than 400 private space enterprises.

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Private companies in the Space Sector

In 2024, the count of space startups in India rose to almost 200, up from only one in 2022.

The financing obtained by these start-ups amounted to $124.7 million in 2023, an increase from $67.2 million in 2021.

Skyroot has successfully sent India’s first privately constructed rocket, Vikram-S, into orbit, aiming to transform satellite launches.

Oversight of the Private sector in India's Space industry

National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe): It serves as an independent and singular window nodal agency within the Department of Space for the promotion, support, and regulation of space activities undertaken by both governmental and private organizations.

NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL): Functions as the business branch of the Department of Space:

Markets space technologies created by ISRO.

Produces and acquires space assets.

Importance of privatizing the space industry

Expense Minimization: The desire for profit compels private firms to lower expenses in space endeavors and satellite deployments.

Competition and Innovation: Privatisation brings in competition, improving efficiency and encouraging innovation.

Commercialization: Private companies facilitate space applications in areas such as agriculture, disaster response, urban development, navigation, and telecommunications.

Autonomy: Increased decision-making freedom enables private firms to engage in new initiatives more quickly.

Employment & Independence: Privatization creates employment opportunities, fosters the adoption of modern technologies, and contributes to the self-sufficiency of the space industry.

Difficulties

Substantial Investment Expenses: Space technology demands significant funding, which may result in dominance by affluent companies.

Specialized Knowledge: Developing and managing space technology requires specific technical abilities and resources.

Safeguarding intellectual property rights (IPR) is crucial to foster innovation and attract investment.

Global Rivalry: Indian private space firms encounter intense competition from established companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin worldwide.

Actions Implemented by the Government

Space Sector Reforms (2020): The Government permitted involvement from the private sector, outlining the functions of IN-SPACe, ISRO, and NSIL.

Space Vision 2047: Targets Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 and hopes for an Indian Moon landing by 2040.

The Gaganyaan initiative has moved into its last phase, with the inaugural human spaceflight planned for the first quarter of 2027.

Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) initial module by 2028.

Next Generation Launch Vehicle for Satellites (NGLV) by 2032.

Chandrayaan-4 aims for 2027 to gather lunar samples and showcase return technology.

Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) scheduled for 2028 to examine Venus.

Indian Space Policy, 2023: Guarantees an equitable environment for Non-Government Entities (NGEs) in space endeavors.

Fondo de Capital Riesgo: Rs. 1000 crore fund allocated for space startups through IN-SPACe in the upcoming 5 years.

SpaceTech Innovation Network (SpIN): SpIN represents a unique collaboration between the public and private sectors for start-ups and SMEs in the aerospace sector.

According to the revised FDI policy, 100% FDI is permitted in the space industry.

Up to 74% (Automatic channel) for satellite-related operations; above that, government channel.

Up to 49% (Automatic route) for launch vehicles and spaceports; anything above that requires a government route.

100% (Automated process) for producing parts and sub-systems for satellites and ground/user segments.

Path Forward

Private companies are currently engaged in essential areas of research, production, and construction of rockets and satellites, encouraging a dynamic environment of creativity. The integration of Indian companies into global value chains is anticipated.

This will enable companies to establish their manufacturing plants in the nation, effectively supporting the Government's 'Make In India (MII)' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives.