Space regulator offers private entities orbital slot to operate communication satellite

New Delhi: India’s space regulator on Wednesday offered an orbital slot to private sector companies to build and operate a communications satellite to provide services in diverse sectors such as telephone, television, radio and internet.

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN‑SPACe) released an Announcement of Opportunity for making available Indian Orbital Resources to the Non-Government Entities (NGEs).

INSPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to empower talented Indian NGEs with the resources and support they need to succeed and contribute to India’s journey to leadership in the global space economy.

The initiative seeks applicants with Indian management and specific technical and financial qualifications to own and operate a Geostationary Orbit satellite for communication services. “This Announcement of Opportunity is a game-changing chance for NGEs to join the global space economy and create a leading communication satellite system,” noted Goenka.

The deadline for application submission is September 15, 2024. Recently, IN-SPACe also invited private companies to collaborate in developing a space-based Earth Observation (EO) system under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The EO proposal involves designing and deploying a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites with diverse sensor technologies. It also includes satellite launches via Indian launch vehicles and the establishment of ground stations for spacecraft health monitoring and data reception.

Furthermore, IN-SPACe authorized Azista BST Aerospace Private Limited, Hyderabad, to set up and operate a UHF frequency band ground station to support its satellites and provide Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS) to both Indian and international clients.