IN-SPACe released NGP to implement the Indian Space Policy

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Context (TH): Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has released the norms, guidelines and procedures (NGP) for the implementation of Indian Space Policy, 2023.
It would complement the government’s endeavour to provide a predictable regulatory regime, transparency, and ease of doing business in the Indian space sector.
The NGP includes the list of Space Activities that need Authorization from IN-SPACe, the criteria for granting the Authorization, and the necessary conditions/guidelines that an Applicant must adhere to.

Any Entity carrying out Space Activities to or from Indian Territory or within India’s jurisdiction, including the area to the limit of its exclusive economic zone, needs Authorization from IN-SPACe.

Only an Indian Entity can apply to IN-SPACe seeking Authorization. Non-Indian Entities desiring to conduct Space Activity in India can apply through an Indian Entity.

Any Space Activity, including the launch, operation, guidance, and/or re-entry of any Space Object, requires Authorization from IN-SPACe.

Established in 2020, it is a single-window, independent, nodal agency that functions as an autonomous agency in the Department of Space (DOS).
It facilitates private sector participation in space and serves as a single-point interface for space-related activities.
It also works as an interface for the exchange of technologies, procedures, and best practices between NGEs (non-government entities) and government companies.
Headquarters: Bopal, Ahmedabad.

Indian Space Policy, 2023

Objective: To “enable, encourage, and develop a flourishing commercial presence in space”, which implies endorsement of the idea that the private sector is a crucial participant in the entire value chain of the space economy.
It establishes:
- 4 distinct but related bodies that will enable increased private sector involvement in tasks that have typically been under the purview of the ISRO.
- 6 space technology incubation centers to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in startups, MSMEs, and private enterprises.
It promotes international cooperation in the space domain, facilitating knowledge-sharing and access to global markets and private players.
The policy delineates the roles and responsibilities of ISRO, New Space India Limited (NSIL), and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe).

It will serve as a single point of contact for authorization and clearance for a variety of activities, including satellite purchases and sales, the construction of launch pads, and the distribution of high-resolution data.
It will exchange technologies, procedures, and best practices with NGEs (non-government entities) and government companies, and employ a “stable and predictable regulatory framework” to guarantee a level playing field.

NSIL will be responsible for manufacturing, leasing, or acquiring space components, technologies, platforms, and other assets from the public or private sector.
It will also be tasked with commercialising space technologies and platforms developed through public expenditures.

It will serve as the nodal department for implementing space technologies and will oversee international cooperation for global space governance and programmes in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs.
Additionally, it will establish a suitable mechanism for resolving disputes spurred on by space activity.

ISRO will “transition out of the existing practice of being present in the manufacturing of operational space systems”. Mature systems shall be transferred to industries for commercial usage.
ISRO shall focus on R&D in advanced technology and the realisation of space objects to meet national prerogatives. This will enable ISRO to focus all of its resources on long-term initiatives like Gaganyaan as well as cutting-edge research and development.