The LVM3-M6 mission successfully deployed the US-based AST Space Mobile's BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite, into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) of 520km circular, which is the heaviest payload (6100kg) to be launched by LVM3 from Indian soil. This launch has demonstrated India's technological prowess, which has significantly enhanced commercial confidence in LVM3 launch vehicle, thereby becoming one of the preferred launch vehicles in the international commercial launch services market.

Government is pursuing international space cooperation for providing strategic and technological gains to Indian space program. Meeting targets of Space Vision 2047 including human spaceflight, space station and space exploration missions is the core component of such efforts. Enhancing launch capability, widening ground station network, expanding space infrastructure and application base, promoting participation of Indian space industries in international exhibitions & business forums, B2B engagements and integrating Indian industries into global supply chains also forms part of international cooperation strategy. Government has also established dialogue mechanisms and joint innovation roadmaps with partner countries to gain from their technological expertise and strategic benefits.

In order to expand the country's role as a reliable provider of space services, the Government is enabling the private sector through IN-SPACe to develop indigenous capabilities across the space sector, including the launch vehicle segment. Some of the key initiatives undertaken are:

1. Development of the second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, to augment India's launch infrastructure and facilitate increased participation of the private sector in launch vehicle operations.
2. Establishment of a stringent review and authorization mechanism to enhance the safety, reliability, and quality of launch systems.
3. Development of Indian space standards in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to promote standardization and quality assurance across the space sector.
4. Facilitating and enabling readiness of Skyroot, Agnikul, HAL for getting their respective launch vehicles ready.

The following initiatives/schemes have been announced by IN-SPACe in order to enable, promote participation of private enterprises in space activities:

1. Released the India Space Policy 2023, where the roles and responsibilities of all the contributors of Indian Space Eco systems defined.
2. Introduction of a liberalized Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy for the space sector.
3. Implementation of a discounted pricing policy to enable Non-Government Entities (NGEs) to access ISRO facilities.
4. Establishment of a ₹1,000 Cr. Venture Capital (VC) Fund to support space start-ups.
5. Launch of the ₹500 Cr. Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) to accelerate the development, demonstration, and commercialization of indigenous space technologies.
6. Facilitation of access to ISRO infrastructure, technical expertise, and mentorship to support private sector growth.
7. Launch of skill development initiatives to address the evolving workforce requirements of the space sector.
8. Establishment of a Technical Centre to provide affordable testing, validation, and simulation facilities for space systems.
9. Enabling transfer of ISRO-developed technologies to industry for commercialization.
10. Providing opportunities to validate space technologies through the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) platform.
11. Launch of the "Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS)" initiative to develop indigenous satellite platform capabilities and accelerate satellite development.
12. Encouraging State Governments to establish dedicated space manufacturing clusters to strengthen the domestic supply chain, attract investments, and create an integrated space industrial ecosystem.
13. Establishment of Earth Observation constellation under PPP model, involving the development, launch, and operation of an indigenous commercial Earth Observation satellite constellation to enhance India's Earth observation capabilities and data services.

Government is pursuing international space cooperation for providing strategic and technological gains to Indian space program. Meeting targets of Space Vision 2047 including human spaceflight, space station and space exploration missions is the core component of such efforts. Enhancing launch capability, widening ground station network, expanding space infrastructure and application base, promoting participation of Indian space industries in international exhibitions & business forums, B2B engagements and integrating Indian industries into global supply chains also forms part of international cooperation strategy. Government has also established dialogue mechanisms and joint innovation roadmaps with partner countries to gain from their technological expertise and strategic benefits.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science & Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State PMO; Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Atomic Energy, Space Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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