IN-SPACe Opens Applications for Satellite Bus Initiative to Support Private Space Missions

Ahmedabad: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has launched a new initiative inviting Indian private firms to design and develop modular satellite bus platforms. The effort aims to bridge a critical infrastructure gap for hosted payload missions and in-orbit demonstrations.

Through the newly introduced Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) programme, IN-SPACe plans to identify up to four Indian Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in the first phase. These entities will be selected based on their technical capabilities to create a small satellite bus system that supports multiple payloads.

The selected proposals will move into a second phase, where up to two satellite bus platforms will be chosen for actual hosted payload missions. These platforms are intended to serve as common carriers, helping smaller payload developers get access to space without having to build entire satellites.

The Announcement of Opportunity (AO) calls for eligible Indian space startups and private companies to register and submit proposals through the IN-SPACe digital platform. The selection process will focus on the modularity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of the proposed satellite bus designs. The last date for submissions and evaluation timelines has not yet been specified publicly.

According to IN-SPACe officials, this initiative is designed to reduce time-to-orbit for experimental payloads and make satellite infrastructure more accessible to emerging players in the private sector. By offering standardised bus platforms, the agency expects to shorten development cycles and reduce mission costs.

The SBaaS programme is part of a broader government effort to decentralise and expand India’s space sector by encouraging private sector participation. Since its formation in 2020, IN-SPACe has been functioning as an independent agency under the Department of Space, focusing on authorisation and capacity building for private space activities.

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