The Space Industry Meet 2.0 provided a valuable platform for IN-SPACe to showcase its ongoing and future plans. The initiatives and policies announced by IN-SPACe during the meet are poised to have a positive impact on the space industry and start-ups in India.

With a well mapped plan to establish infrastructure, provide seed funding, and work closely with private companies to identify and guide them into areas of technical and commercial feasibility, the initiative will provide a strong boost to the private space ecosystem in India.

The measures taken by IN-SPACe are a positive step towards creating a favorable environment for private companies to participate in the space sector and to leverage the space industry and the start-ups tremendously.



IN-SPACe is responsible for promoting, enabling, authorizing, and supervising various space activities of the Non-Government Entities (NGEs) in India. This includes building of launch vehicles and satellites by private companies, providing space-based services, such as satellite imagery and communication services, sharing of space infrastructure and premises under the control of DoS and ISRO, and establishment of new space infrastructure and facilities, including private space ports and ground stations.

IN-SPACe is implementing a number of initiatives to support the growth of the private space industry in India, such as framework for third party damage liability, differential pricing policy, FDI policy guidelines, and SOPs for authorizations et al.

Additionally, the agency is also opening a Space Technical Centre with retired ISRO scientists as resident experts. These initiatives demonstrate a deep commitment to promoting the growth of the Indian space industry and providing a supportive environment for private companies to participate in the space sector. The State government of Gujarat has offered a variety of incentives for the space industry through their new electronics, IT/ITS, start-up, and research policies, including the creation of a Space Park and Space accelerator.

Shri Pawan Goenka, the Chairperson of IN-SPACe, has recently stated that he is focused on creating new partnerships between IN-SPACe and ISRO to allow private sector companies to access ISRO's resources. This partnership is outlined in a MoU between IN-SPACe and ISRO, which includes the Joint Project Implementation Plan (JPIP) that enables private companies to collaborate with ISRO on specific projects.

IN-SPACe's role in this partnership is to assist in the creation of the JPIP and resolve any obstacles that may arise. This partnership will enable private companies to take advantage of ISRO's experience and infrastructure, allowing them to develop new products and services and participate in the growth of the space industry.

SIA-India extends its warmest congratulations to the Digantara Team for being recognized as the winner at the National Start-up Awards 2022, in recognition of their efforts in developing a sovereign Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capability.

Prior to 2018, telecommunication goods were subject to indirect tax at the rate of 5.5%, and bandwidth services to indirect tax at the rate of 15% in India. Both telecommunication goods and bandwidth services are now subject to goods and services tax (GST) of 18%. As GST is passed on to consumers, the 18% GST has led to an increase in the prices of these services and, consequently, has limited access to satellite and broadband services. These services may be made more affordable by placing these services in the lower GST slab of 12%. This will increase accessibility and would also boost the economy.

Separately, GST of 18% is applicable to the launch of satellites by private Indian players using ISRO rockets, while launches by government organizations and foreign players through ISRO are exempt. This increases the financial burden on domestic players and creates a barrier to entry into the market for these entities. Given that the Government is trying to promote private participation in the space sector, it should create a level playing field for all participants by extending the GST exemption for satellite launches to private domestic entities.

Union Minister of State, Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the DST GeoSpatial Hackathon during arecent virtual event. The hackathon aims to promote innovation in India's Geospatial ecosystem and to serve as a formal launchpad to India's geospatial strategy and policy, which envisions making India a global leader in the geospatial sector. The event was launched to support the aspirations of the Indian youth and to take advantage of the growth in the Indian start-up economy, which recently added its 100th unicorn start-up in 2022.

The aim of this hackathon is to promote partnerships not only among the public and private geospatial sectors but also to strengthen the country's geospatial start-up ecosystem.

DST partnered with TBI at IIIT Hyderabad, Microsoft, and Survey of India to host the DST GeoSpatial Hackathon. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh encourages the youth to participate and contribute to the nation's geospatial economy. The hackathon is seen as a platform for not just participation but an opportunity for providing solutions.

Federal Communication Commission Votes unanimously to move forward with the International Bureau's reorganization into a Space Bureau and a standalone Office of International Affairs to better support the agency's statutory obligations. The action is meant to better support the satellite industry and meet the needs of the next generation Space Age.

This move follows steps taken by the FCC, such as expanding its satellite division, to better handle the needs of the next generation space age. The existing roles at the International Bureau will now be part of the Space Bureau and the Office of International Affairs.

To read more click on: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-votes-establish-space-bureau-office-international-affairs

The National Institute of Advanced Studies is conducting its annual Space Course training program titled "Space Today: Opportunities, Challenges, and Threats" as part of its International Strategic and Security Studies Programme from February 6-11, 2023.

The course will cover the following topics:

• Space and National Security
• Strategy-Technology-Policy Interface
• Challenges Facing the Indian Space Ecosystem
• Opportunities in Space Participation for Private Enterprises and Startups

Each of these topics will cover a number of relevant sub topics in detail. In addition, the course will include interactive sessions and a visit to one of the ISRO facilities.

This course is designed to provide participants with intimate exposure to experts in various fields, helping them to shape their own personal vision and goals for the future.

Contact [email protected] for more information or go to https://lnkd.in/d23NGrZV

SIA-India is currently seeking a Research Analyst to join their team in Delhi-NCR. The role involves assisting with the production of data-centric, creative content, conducting focused research, and analyzing data to create content for research reports, policy submissions, and social media. Candidates must have a bachelor's or associate's degree in a related field, 1-2 years of experience with data analysis, strong analytical and data modeling skills, and proficiency in Excel. Responsibilities include exploring and analyzing raw data, working with content teams, and keeping up with industry trends. To apply, send an updated resume to [email protected].

More information about the company can be found on the website at https://www.sia-india.com/

Interested candidates are requested to send their updated resume to [email protected].