In-Space Reaches Out to Space Startups to Build Satellites

To construct and oversee the management of a space-based earth observation (EO) system, Indian startups and private firms are encouraged to submit proposals to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe).

The project, which will be carried out within a public-private partnership (PPP) framework, will entail the planning, development, and deployment of a constellation of satellites with cutting-edge imaging capabilities.

“This is an effort by IN-SPACe and ISRO to build a resilient, self-sufficient, and long-lasting Earth observation system to meet the increasing need for EO data. it is anticipated that the upstream infrastructure of the satellite constellation with cutting-edge imaging technology will create significant downstream commercial potential, resulting in more competitive products.”: IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Goenka.

By 1st August, interested parties can register with the project’s nodal space body. Subsequently, on August 8, interested parties will convene for a “pre-EoI (expression of interest) conference,” and by September 10, project applications must be submitted.

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The IN-SPACe will evaluate the candidates according to a number of factors, such as funding, valuation, and income. In order to be considered for the project, the candidates needed to have raised a minimum of INR 85 Cr in investment. For Indian startups, the bar has been maintained at half, or INR 42.5 Cr.

As an alternative, interested parties must either have an average yearly revenue of INR 200 Cr over a three-year period, or be valued at INR 850 Cr.

Entities with the ability to develop and construct a constellation of satellites equipped with microwave, achromatic, multispectral, and hyperspectral imaging are encouraged to submit proposals to the EoI.

In addition, candidates will have to launch the satellites using Indian satellite launch vehicles, monitor and manage the health of the spacecraft, and download payload data either through ground stations as a service (GSaaS) providers or by setting up and running their own ground stations.

Projects for processing payload data downloaded from the satellite constellation and producing analysis-ready data (ARD) for a range of applications are also included in the EoI.

The planned earth observation satellite is intended to “increase our country’s space economy and reduce our reliance on foreign sources for space-based EO data,” according to the EoI. To put things in perspective, government agencies typically use these satellites for tasks like land surveys and weather monitoring.

The document also stated that the chosen candidates will “be able to profit from space data and associated services, boosting (their) visibility in the international geospatial market—and establishing India as a significant global data supplier.”

Currently operating in the field are startups like Pixxel and GalaxEye, which provide hyperspectral imaging satellites and multi-sensor imaging satellites, respectively.

The announcement was made one month after rumors circulated that the Center intended to provide money and auxiliary assistance to launch twelve earth observation satellites in a public-private partnership.

Additionally, the Center is making a larger push for the spacetech industry at this time. A few days ago, during her budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman announced the creation of a 1,000 crore rupee venture capital (VC) fund specifically for Indian spacetech businesses.