New Delhi. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh said that Government of India announced reforms for opening up the space sector to private entities by creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) under the Department of Space.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on March 10, he said, IN-SPACe will promote, handhold, regulate and authorize space activity by private sector which will result in enhanced private participation. This will also spur technological development and innovation within the country leading to self-reliance in the field of space technology, a step towards “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

Dr Singh informed that four student satellites were made ready with the support of ISRO. These satellites were successfully flown onboard PSLV-C51 on 28 February 2021. 35 space startups and industries are in consultation with ISRO for support related to various domains of space activity such as development of satellites, launch vehicles, develop applications, provide space based services etc.