IN-SPACe Unveils Initiative To Help Private Firms Build Small Satellite Bus Platforms 

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has launched a new programme for private space companies to design and build small satellite bus platforms.

A satellite bus acts as the body of a satellite, carrying and supporting essential equipment like payloads.

As part of its Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) programme, IN-SPACe will support realisation of satellite bus platforms in two phases.

In phase 1, four companies will be shortlisted based on their designs and technical capabilities to develop modular, multi-mission satellite bus systems. While in phase 2, two of these four companies will be selected to launch and test their satellite buses in space with real payloads onboard.

The initiative aims to ease access to flight platforms, reduce time to orbit, and enable in-orbit demonstrations for payload developers.

“SBaaS is designed to bridge the gap between payload developers and satellite platforms. By providing a standardised, modular bus platform, we offer a cost-effective solution for in-orbit validation of diverse payloads. This initiative will accelerate the development cycle for emerging technologies and enhance India’s capabilities in delivering end-to-end space solutions,” said IN-SPACe’s Technical Director  Rajeev Jyoti.

The initiative builds on recent efforts to transfer satellite bus technology from ISRO to private players, including the 2023 transfer of the IMS-1 satellite bus to Alpha Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Set up in June 2020, IN-SPACe is an autonomous agency under the Department of Space, tasked with driving major reforms to promote private sector participation in India’s space activities.

IN-SPACe Step Up Funding Initiatives

IN-SPACe has been taking various measures to boost the homegrown space segment. Recently,  it appointed Sidbi Venture Capital Limited (SVCL), a subsidiary of SIDBI, to manage a INR 1,000 Cr venture capital fund dedicated to boosting Indian spacetech startups. Starting with INR 150 Cr in FY26, the fund will be distributed over five years.

IN-SPACe has also announced IN-SPACe Earth Observation Satellite Constellation Project  to build, launch, and operate a constellation of earth observation (EO) satellites in low earth orbit. Infosys along with six bidders was also reported to be shortlisted by IN-SPACe for this INR 1500 Cr project. 

However, there hasn’t been any official communication from IN-SPACe about the names of the bidders for the project. In addition to this project, IN-SPACe also floated a INR 500 Cr Technology Adoption Fund in November last year to support spacetech startups with funding up to INR 25 Cr per project.

Over the past few years, the Centre has taken a number of initiatives to boost the spacetech sector, including opening up the space for private players and liberalising the FDI regime. This has given rise to a new generation of startups that are driving innovation and technological advancements in the spacetech sector such as Agnikul, Dhruva Space, Digantara and Pixxel to name a few.

While overall funding raised by Indian startups jumped 20% to $12 Bn in 2024 from $10 Bn in previous year, spacetech startups saw a 35% year-on-year decline in funding to $81 Mn last year. This was despite the number of deals in the sector rising to 14 during the year under review from 11 in 2023.