Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh Highlights Growth of Start-ups in India’s Space Sector”

BuzzBytes New Delhi, 08 FEB 2024:Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, provided valuable insights into the progress of India’s space program during a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha. The minister revealed that approximately 189 registered start-ups on the digital platform are actively contributing to India’s space sector.Dr Jitendra Singh outlined the government’s steps to encourage start-ups and boost India’s space program:The release of the Indian Space Policy 2023, defining the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in the Indian space ecosystem.Implementation of various schemes by IN-SPACe to support the private sector, including the Seed Fund Scheme, Pricing Support Policy, Mentorship support, Design Lab for NGEs, Skill Development in the Space Sector, ISRO facility utilization support, Technology Transfer to NGEs, and regular meetings with national and international industries for potential business opportunities.Signing of around 51 MoUs with Non-Government Entities (NGEs) by IN-SPACe to provide necessary support for the realization of space systems and applications.A total of approximately 189 registered start-ups on the digital platform.Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized the strategic approach of the “Make in India” initiative in space technology, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing, innovation, and self-reliance in the space sector. The initiative encompasses both upstream and downstream sectors, fostering self-reliance in space technology.The minister highlighted major achievements in the Indian space program over the past five years, including commercial launches, development of SSLV, earth observation satellites, navigation satellites, lunar exploration, solar mission (Aditya-L1), and significant progress in human spaceflight.Key outcomes of the Make in India initiative include the development of critical technologies and industrial ecosystems at ISRO, establishment of space system and satellite manufacturing facilities by Indian NGEs, and the setting up of launch vehicle systems realization facilities by NGEs. The minister’s statement reflects India’s commitment to indigenous capabilities and innovation in the space sector.