IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre)

The government agency that promotes and authorises space activities by private companies in India. It was created in June 2020 as part of the space-sector reforms.

Purpose

IN-SPACe is a single-window, autonomous agency in the Department of Space. It promotes, authorises and supervises the space activities of non-government entities. That covers building rockets and satellites, offering space services, and using ISRO's facilities.

It also acts as the link between ISRO and private companies, start-ups and universities.

Timeline

  • 24 June 2020: The Union Cabinet approves reforms to open space activities to private companies; IN-SPACe is created to give them a level playing field
  • 10 June 2022: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the IN-SPACe headquarters at Bopal, Ahmedabad
  • 18 July 2026: IN-SPACe gives the launch clearances for Skyroot's Vikram-I, India's first private orbital launch

Status

IN-SPACe is chaired by Pawan Kumar Goenka. It arranged access to ISRO facilities and reviews for private launches such as Skyroot's Vikram-I.

Sources

  1. IN-SPACe — ISRO
  2. Historic reforms initiated in the space sector — Press Information Bureau
  3. PM inaugurates headquarters of IN-SPACe at Bopal, Ahmedabad — Press Information Bureau
  4. First private orbital launch lifts off from Sriharikota — ISRO