Private sector to be a co-traveller in India?s space journey: Dr. Singh

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Sunday that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to open its facilities to the private sector. <p></p> <p> Referring to some of the path-breaking historic reforms in the Department of Space under Prime Minister Narendra Modi?s leadership, Dr. Singh said that possibly for the first time in the history of Independent India, future projects for planetary exploration, outer space travel, etc., will be open for the private sector. This, he said, was also a part of the Modi government?s Aatmanirbhar roadmap towards a self-reliant India, which envisages the initiative to boost private sector participation in space exploration. </p> <p> Elaborating further, Dr. Singh said that the Indian private sector will be a co-traveller in the country?s space sector?s journey. </p> <p>He said private companies will be provided a level playing field in satellite launches and other space-based activities. </p> <p> The new reforms, said Dr. Singh, would seek to shift the space-related activities in the country from a supply-based model to a demand-based model. With the creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), there will be a mechanism in place and the private sector will be allowed to use ISRO?s facilities and other relevant assets to improve their capacities.</p> <p> Dr. Singh further informed that a web link had been provided for private industries to submit their applications. Applications received from industries and start-ups would be processed by a high-level committee, he added.</p> <p></p>