Empowering Space Ventures in India: IN-SPACe's Accelerated Clearance Framework
IN-SPACe sets a timeline under the Indian Space Policy. New norms outline the authorization process for space activities in India under NGP.
BUSINESS | INVESTMENT
08 May 2024
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) is envisaging a clearance timeline of 75–120 days from the receipt of the application, complete in all respects, seeking permission to carry out space activities to or from Indian territory or within India's jurisdiction, including the area to the limit of its exclusive economic zone.
The IN-SPACe, which was established as a single-window, independent, nodal agency that functions as an autonomous agency in the Department of Space (DOS) to enable and facilitate the participation of private players, released the norms for implementing a part of the Indian Space Policy 2023, on May 3. The 147-page document details the way various players can seek authorization for taking up space activities.
According to the Indian Space Policy, IN-SPACe will provide authorizations to both government bodies and NGEs for space activities, such as:
Establishment and/or operations of space object(s)
Operations of space transportation systems
Planned re-entry of space objects with or without recovery
Establishment and/or operation of the ground systems
Dissemination of space-based earth observation/remote sensing data
Sale/purchase/transfer of space objects in-orbit
Any other kinds of authorizations announced by IN-SPACe from time-to-time
The document lists activities that require authorization from IN-SPACe, specifies criteria for granting such authorizations, and provides the necessary guidelines and prerequisites to be fulfilled by an applicant for making an authorization application to IN-SPACe.
The document says, "Only an Indian Entity can apply to IN-SPACe seeking Authorization. Non-Indian Entities desiring to conduct Space Activity in India can apply to IN-SPACe for Authorization through an Indian Entity which could be its Indian subsidiary, joint venture, or any other collaboration arrangement recognized by the Government of India."
"However, the authorized representative/dealer of non-Indian Entities can seek IN-SPACe Authorization for certain categories of Authorizations such as Authorization of non-Indian GSO and/or NGSO satellite/constellation to enable provisioning of its capacity in India for communication services, Dissemination of space-based earth observation/Remote Sensing data, etc," it added.
The NGP will complement the government's efforts to provide a predictable regulatory system, transparency, and ease of doing business in the Indian space sector.
IN-SPACe was established in October 2021 as part of the Government of India's comprehensive space sector reforms to increase private sector participation in all aspects of space activity. It was tasked with promoting, facilitating, guiding, and authorizing space activities in the country. For this purpose, IN-SPACe shall periodically issue guidelines and procedures that, among other things, promote ease of doing business.