India has possibly taken its first big step in that direction with the central government setting up New Space India Limited (NSIL) earlier and now IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre).
Both flow from the announcements made by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the fourth tranche of Rs 21 lakh crore special Covid-19 economic package.
The announcement of opening up of India's space sector to private players does not mean that Isro did not have partnerships with private companies earlier.
Till now, the Isro's private engagement model has been the one of sharing technological know-how -- or, intellectual property -- with companies and having a monopoly over purchase of their products and services.
This opens up the possibility that private players can soon be building and launching satellites in a gradual manner. Some private players are already building small and micro satellites.
Space exploration is indeed expensive. Nasa is a flourishing behemoth because it has robust engagement with the private sector.
Nasa last year opened up its part of the International Space Station to commercial players including private astronauts.
India has possibly taken its first big step in that direction with the central government setting up New Space India Limited (NSIL) earlier and now IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre).
Both flow from the announcements made by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the fourth tranche of Rs 21 lakh crore special Covid-19 economic package.
NSIL has come up as an assisting body to the Isro to facilitate private participation in its programmes.
IN-SPACe will work on the mechanism for Isro's engagement with industries and to meet demands of the private sector in space programmes.
The announcement of opening up of India's space sector to private players does not mean that Isro did not have partnerships with private companies earlier.
Its engagement with private players began nearly 50 years ago during the time of Professor Satish Dhawan.
Till now, the Isro's private engagement model has been the one of sharing technological know-how -- or, intellectual property -- with companies and having a monopoly over purchase of their products and services.
Isro continues to function as the core space organisation in India with decision-making authority related to activities, missions and projects.
It will focus more on Research and Development (R&D), exploring new technologies, and planning new space missions.
IN-SPACe will ensure a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure and a friendly regulatory environment.
This opens up the possibility that private players can soon be building and launching satellites in a gradual manner. Some private players are already building small and micro satellites.
More engagement of private sector means more money for Isro to do its basic work of space research and exploration.