IN-SPACe, K'taka Sign MoUs To Set Up Space Manufacturing Park

SUMMARY

While the manufacturing park will focus on developing next-generation space technologies, the CoE will look to drive research and innovation in the sector

Karnataka and IN-SPACe will look to strengthen the state’s position as a hub for private space ventures, with support from existing government departments such as ISRO, HAL and BEL

Earlier, IN-SPACe also announced a project to build and operate a constellation of Earth observation satellites in low Earth orbit

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has signed two pacts with the Karnataka government to bolster the spacetech ecosystem in the state.

Under the memorandums of understanding (MoUs), the two parties will work together to set up a centre of excellence (CoE) for space technologies in Bengaluru and a space manufacturing park to support satellite and launch vehicle production.

While the manufacturing park will focus on developing next-generation space technologies, the CoE will look to drive research and innovation in the sector. IN-SPACe joint secretary Lochan Sehra and Karnataka IT department’s secretary Ekroop Caur signed the MoUs on behalf of their respective departments.

As part of the partnership, both parties will look to strengthen the state’s position as a hub for private space ventures, with support from existing government institutions and departments such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (SRO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and other research bodies.

IN-SPACe is a nodal body under the Department of Space that authorises and supports private space activity in India. The collaboration with Karnataka aligns with the broader Indian Space Policy, 2023, which aims to promote collaborations in the sector.

The development comes at a time when IN-SPACe is leaving no stone unturned to push spacetech startups in the country. Just last month, it launched the satellite bus-as-a-service (SBaaS) programme to help startups build and launch small satellite platforms.

Recently, IN-SPACe announced the appointment of SIDBI Venture Capital as the fund manager for the INR 1,000 Cr fund, announced in Budget 2024-25, for spacetech startups.

The nodal body has also announced a project to build and operate a constellation of Earth observation satellites in low Earth orbit, with Infosys and six others reportedly shortlisted for the INR 1,500 Cr project. However, IN-SPACe has not officially confirmed the bidders’ names.

Separately, IN-SPACe launched an INR 500 Cr technology adoption fund in November to support spacetech startups, offering up to INR 25 crore per project.

Set up in 2020, IN-SPACe has taken a central role in enabling private participation across satellite development, launch services, and downstream applications in the Indian space sector.