PRIVATE PLAYERS IN INDIAN SPACE SECTOR

Source: IndianExpress

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Context

• New Space India Limited (NSIL) — the commercial arm of the department of space — has called on private players to manufacture its largest launch vehicle LVM3.
• This is the launch vehicle that propelled Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 to the Moon.
• A human-rated version of the same vehicle will be used for the Gaganyaan mission as well.

Details

• Initially designed for missions requiring spacecraft to escape Earth’s orbit or be placed in large geosynchronous orbits, LVM3 has demonstrated commercial viability by deploying multiple satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).
• In 2022 and 2023, it launched two batches of 36 satellites each commercially for internet provider OneWeb, showcasing its capability to deploy multiple satellites in different orbits during missions.
• NSIL recognizes a growing demand for launching heavier communications satellites and satellites for global mega LEO constellations, such as those proposed by companies like Starlink and OneWeb.
• The planned technological advancements are expected to significantly improve the LVM3 payload capacity in the coming years.
• This initiative aligns with the government's vision to increase private sector participation in the space sector, empowering them to manufacture complete launch vehicles instead of merely producing parts.
• It reflects the government's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for private investment and
• NSIL's previous initiative involving private players in manufacturing Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV) has been successful. A consortium of HAL and L&T has been selected to manufacture five PSLVs, with the first flight of the privately manufactured vehicle expected this year.

Background

• The commercialization of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) began with the involvement of private industry partners in the manufacturing of auxiliary components for ISRO's space missions.
• Early partners included Data Patterns, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Larsen & Toubro, and Godrej Aerospace, which played a crucial role in fabricating various spacecraft components, satellite systems, ground stations, rocket engines, and communication systems.

1992: Establishment of Antrix Corporation Ltd.

• In 1992, the Department of Space (DoS) established Antrix Corporation Ltd., a wholly government-owned company under ISRO’s administrative control.
• Antrix's primary mandate was to promote, market, and deliver commercial products of ISRO to international companies.
• It serves as the intermediary between ISRO and its private industry partners, facilitating technology transfer, assessing financial and commercial viability of joint ventures, and developing the industrial capabilities of the Indian space sector.

1999: Launch of Foreign Satellites

• On May 26, 1999, ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C-2 launched its first foreign satellites - German DLR-TUBSAT and Korean KITSAT-3, alongside ISRO's own satellite OCEANSAT.
• This marked the beginning of ISRO's commercial satellite launch services for foreign customers.

Core Tasks of Antrix Corporation Ltd.:

• Satellite Communication Services: via the Indian National Satellite system (INSAT).
• Launch Services: for commercial satellites aboard ISRO’s polar and geosynchronous satellite launch vehicles – PSLV, GSLV, and GSLV Mk-III for foreign customers.
• Data Provision: from the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite to international users.
• Building and Delivering Satellites: including satellite sub-systems.
• Technical Consultancy and Technology Transfer: Facilitating the transfer of ISRO’s technologies.

2016: Milestone Achieved

• In September 2016, ISRO achieved a major milestone when the PSLV C-37 successfully injected 104 satellites into orbit in a single launch, setting a record for the highest number of satellites launched in a single mission.
• This success further boosted ISRO's reputation in the commercial satellite launch market.

2019: Establishment of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)

• In 2019, the Centre established NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a public sector undertaking under the DoS.
• NSIL aims to boost indigenous production of various ISRO space products by the industry consortium, focusing on the domestic space industry.
• Similar to Antrix, NSIL serves as a commercial arm of ISRO, offering launch services, building satellites and subsystems, remote sensing services, technology transfer, and producing small and polar satellite launch vehicles in collaboration with Indian space/defence companies.

Involvement of private players in India's space sector

Established Aerospace Companies:

• Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL): Provides structural parts for various space components such as heat shield assembly, nose cone assembly, fuel propellant tanks, and cryogenic engines for launch vehicles.
• Godrej Aerospace: Manufactures liquid propulsion engines and complex fabricated assemblies for antennas, pods, satellite thrusters, actuators, valves, and pumps.
• Ananth Technologies and Data Patterns: Core manufacturers of ISRO’s ground stations, nanosatellites, automated test equipment, and printed circuit boards (PCB) for various controllers and subsystems of satellites and launch vehicles.

New Space Start-ups:

• Dhruva Space Private Limited (Established 2012): One of the first space start-ups in India, involved in satellite manufacturing and related services.
• Bellatrix Aerospace (Established 2015): Engaged in the development of satellite propulsion systems and related technologies.
• Aadyah Aerospace (Established 2016): Focuses on designing and manufacturing satellites, launch vehicles, and propulsion systems.
• Agnikul Cosmos (Established 2017): Developing a small satellite launch vehicle tailored for the needs of small satellite operators.
• Manastu Space (Established 2017): Specializes in green technology for space, offering alternative fuel for boosters, refueling stations in space, and deorbiting solutions for expired satellites.
• Skyroot Aerospace (Established 2018): Developing their own satellite launch vehicles and associated technologies.
• Satellize (Established 2018): Engaged in satellite communication and related services.
• Pixxel (Established 2019): Focused on building a constellation of Earth observation satellites for various applications.

Indian regulatory framework for private space companies

IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center):

• Created as a single-window, independent nodal agency announced on May 16, 2020, under the 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' stimulus package.
• IN-SPACe authorizes, promotes, and supervises space activities of private non-governmental entities (NGEs) in India.
• Functions:
  • Authorizing and supervising NGEs' activities such as building launch vehicles, satellites, and sharing infrastructure under ISRO/DoS control.
  • Evaluating and issuing authorizations for space activities including launches and test firings.
  • Providing technical incubation for start-ups and promoting space tourism.
• Partnerships: Since its establishment, IN-SPACe has signed 45 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with NGEs to support their space activities.

National Geospatial Policy:

• The National Geospatial Policy was unveiled on December 28, 2022, building on the guidelines issued in February 2021.
• Objectives:
  • Framework for the development of a geospatial ecosystem.
  • Democratization of geospatial data and strengthened integrated interface for all digital data with location.
  • Promoting private sector participation in the collection of geospatial data.
• Key Features:
  • Allows private companies to acquire geospatial data and maps from government agencies without licenses.
  • Simplifies permissions and clearances for the collection, use, and dissemination of geospatial data.
  • Promotes Survey of India to maintain high-resolution/high spatial accuracy orthoimagery.

Liberalization of Geo-Spatial Data:

• As part of the 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' in May 2020, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the liberalization of geo-spatial data policies, opening up planetary exploration and outer space travel to private companies.
• Geo-Spatial Data Policy: Guidelines issued in February 2021 allowed private companies to access government geospatial data and maps without licenses for most categories.

Indian Space Policy (2023):

• Permissible Activities for Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs):
  • NGEs are permitted to offer communication, internet services, remote sensing, and navigation services through self-owned, procured, or leased satellites.
  • They can operate ground facilities for space operations such as telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C).
  • Utilization of Indian or non-Indian orbital resources is allowed to establish communication satellites.
  • NGEs can manufacture and operate space transportation systems, including launch vehicles and shuttles, including reusable, recoverable, and reconfigurable versions of these transports.
  • Commercial recovery of an asteroid or space resource is also permitted under this policy.
• Transition for ISRO:
  • The policy facilitates ISRO's transition from manufacturing operational space systems to focusing on research and development in advanced technologies.

Amended Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy (2024):

• Up to 74% FDI is permitted for satellite manufacturing and operation.
• Up to 49% FDI is allowed for launch vehicles, spaceports, and associated systems.
• 100% FDI is allowed to manufacture components and systems/sub-systems for satellites, ground, and user segments.
• Investments beyond the mentioned limits in these segments can be made via the government route.

Impact on Space Missions like Chandrayaan 3 and Aditya L-1:

• Private Sector Participation: These policies open up opportunities for private sector participation in various aspects of space missions, including satellite manufacturing, space transportation, and ground operations.
• Increased Investment: The amended FDI policy encourages increased foreign investment in satellite manufacturing, launch vehicles, and associated systems, which can benefit missions like Chandrayaan 3 and Aditya L-1 by providing additional resources and expertise.
• Technological Advancements: With a focus on research and development in advanced technologies, the Indian Space Policy aims to foster innovation and technological advancements that can enhance the capabilities and success of future space missions.

ISRO-Then and Now

Then:

• Pioneering Efforts: ISRO was established in 1969 with the primary goal of developing space technology and its application for various national tasks.
• Limited Resources: In the early years, ISRO operated with limited resources and infrastructure, relying on international collaborations and indigenous efforts to develop its space capabilities.
• Focus on National Priorities: ISRO focused on addressing national priorities such as communication, remote sensing, meteorology, and satellite navigation, contributing to India's socio-economic development.
• Self-Reliance: ISRO emphasized self-reliance in space technology development, gradually reducing dependence on foreign assistance and launching indigenous satellites and launch vehicles.

Now:

• Expansion and Diversification: ISRO has expanded its capabilities and diversified its activities, including interplanetary missions like Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), as well as launching satellites for communication, navigation, and earth observation.
• Global Recognition: ISRO's achievements, such as successful Mars and lunar missions, have garnered international recognition and positioned India as a key player in the global space community.
• Commercial Ventures: ISRO has ventured into commercial satellite launches, offering launch services to foreign countries and generating revenue through satellite launches.
• Public-Private Partnerships: While ISRO remains the driving force in the Indian space sector, it has embraced public-private partnerships, collaborating with startups and private companies for manufacturing smaller subsystems and providing launch services.
• Technological Advancements: ISRO continues to focus on research and development, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance its capabilities and expand its reach in space exploration.
• Strategic Vision: With ambitious plans for future missions, including deep space explorations, ISRO remains committed to advancing India's space program and contributing to scientific knowledge and technological innovation.

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Sources:

IndianExpress

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.  The Indian Space Policy and amended FDI policy create a conducive environment for both governmental and private entities to collaborate and contribute to India's space missions. Critically analyse. (150 words)