Private sector can play a larger role than just being a supplier of parts and components: ISRO Chief K Sivan

ISRO Director K Sivan addressed the nation today in a 12 minutes live session. He spoke about the privatisation of the space sector and emphasized how this will benefit the nation and the industry.

Earlier on Wednesday, K Sivan spoke to PTI on how the pandemic has affected the upcoming missions. He said that ISRO had to postpone 10 space missions including Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan 3. Meanwhile, on Thursday, he spoke about the role of the private sector in developing the space sector of the country.

Sivan said, "ISRO is dependent on the private sector for manufacturing equipment for its launch. The MSMEs which provide equipment to ISRO are among the worst-hit due to the lockdown."

Today, he added that these sectors could do more now, under the flagship programme of privatising the space sector.

What did K Sivan talk about on Thursday Live Session

ISRO chief K Sivan on Thursday announced the support of ISRO to the GoI on privatising the space sector. He said that this will put India in a new league. “Space sector, where India is among a handful of countries with advanced space technology, can play a significant role in boosting the industrial base of India. The government has decided to implement reformed measures to leverage ISRO's achievement by opening space sector for private enterprises,” said Sivan.

He added that private sectors include tech companies (big or small), startups academia etc. These earlier supplied parts and components to ISRO and will now change the scenario. In support, the Department of Space will promote sector space activities to enable it to provide end to end space services. This will include building and launching of rockets and satellites as well as providing space-based services on a commercial basis.

Further, he also said that if the space sector is opened up, the potential of the entire country will be utilised to scale up the benefits from space technologies. This will not only result in the accelerated growth of this sector but will enable Indian industry to be an important player in the global space economy. With this, there is an opportunity for large scale employment in the technology sector and India becoming a global technology powerhouse.

What all can the private space agencies do now?

K Sivan said that private entities can now build satellites and rockets. Further, they can provide launch services, own satellites, and provide space-based service on a commercial basis. They can also take Research and Development activities. Additionally, they can also be a part of ISRO's interplanetary missions.

Are we moving to establish SpaceX like entities in India as well? Comment your views.