IN-SPACe invites industry to build and manage satellite system under PPP model

Space regulator IN-SPACe floated an expression of interest in this regard on July 25

Space regulator the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is looking towards Indian private entities to build and manage a space-based Earth Observation (EO) system under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The body on July 25 released an Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting proposals from Indian entities.

The opening of doors for Indian entities to develop this project which involves the design, build, and launch of a constellation of satellites equipped with advanced imaging technologies is a major leap in boosting EO-based space economy in the country.

The proposal encompasses non-governmental entities (NGE) (a term reserved in the space sector for private entities) to design, build, and establish constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit having a combination of sensors including panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral and microwave.

It will also involve NGEs launching the satellites through Indian satellite launch vehicles, monitoring and controlling the spacecraft health, and payload data download by establishing and operating their own ground stations or through Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS) providers.

Finally, the private entity will also be required to process the payload data downloaded from the satellite constellation and generate Analysis Ready Data (ARD), creating a wealth of information for various applications.

Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe said, "This is an initiative by IN-SPACe & ISRO towards creating a self-reliant, robust, and sustainable Earth Observation System catering to the growing demand for EO data."

"It is envisaged that the upstream infrastructure of the satellite constellation with advanced imaging technology will create significant downstream commercial potential, resulting in more competitive products," Goenka said.

The EOI has been released on the IN-SPACe digital platform www.inspace.gov.in. Interested companies are encouraged to visit the website to learn more and register for the upcoming pre-EOI conference on August 8, 2024, IN-SPACe said in a press release.