PM Modi interacts with ISRO, Space Industries and startups to encourage private sector participation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yesterday, interacted with ISRO Chief, Space Industry participants and startups. He aimed to encourage their participation in space activities. The interaction meeting saw representation from eight space industry participants in interactive mode with PM Modi comprising of Shri Sunil Bharti Mittal from Bharti Enterprises, Shri Jayant Patil from Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Shri Srinath Ravichandran from Agnikul Cosmos Pvt Ltd, Shri Pawan Kumar Chandana from Skyroot Aerospace Ltd, Colonel H S Shankar from Alpha Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Shri Rakesh Verma from MapmyIndia, Shri Awais Ahmed from PIXXEL India and Smt Srimathy Kesan from Space Kidz India. Seven other industry representatives participated as observers in the session.

A background

The Union Cabinet the historic decision in June 2020 to open up the Space sector. It enabled the participation of Indian private sector as a co-traveller. As per the Cabinet approval, the approach towards space activities in the country will shift from a ‘supply-based model’ to a ‘demand-based model’. The govt also created the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). Thus, the reforms will provide a level playing field for private companies and start-ups. Subsequently, several industries have submitted proposals with the newly created IN-SPACe under Department of Space. The proposals pertain to a vast range of activities. These include satellite constellation, small satellite launch vehicles, ground station, geospatial services, propulsion systems and application products.

About the meeting

The meeting started with an overview by Dr K. Sivan, Secretary DOS/Chairman ISRO elaborating about the reforms, initiated by the Department of Space. He gave an outline of the various kinds of requests received from the industry for obtaining permission from IN-SPACe and support from the Department of Space, ISRO. He informed that more than 25 industries have already approached DOS for getting permission or support for undertaking their space activities.

Further, he added that ISRO has taken actions to address the requirements and applications are being processed on a fast track mode. This was followed by feedback on reforms by industries briefing about the outline of their proposed space activities and expressing their views on space reforms during the session. This interaction further demonstrated the efficacy of space as an area of investment, innovation, inspiration, interconnection and integration.

PM Modi, in his address, underlined the need to strengthen the professional talent pool of the country to empower the field of space. He appreciated the Department of Space for the initiatives; in accelerating the space reform activities by supporting and handholding the industries. This can take the country to greater heights with faster speed. He also assured that the government will do its best in making industry-friendly policies to support the innovative ventures. He expressed hope and confidence that this initiative will create high technology jobs for our youth from engineering colleges. This will also ensure the long-term development of the country and society and change the lives of poor people.