IN-SPACe Launches Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) to Propel Hosted Payload Opportunities for Indian NGEs

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has announced a new opportunity for Indian Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) under the Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative. The SBaaS aims to provide a pathway for Indian private space players to design and develop small satellite bus platforms for hosted payload applications.

As part of this initiative, IN-SPACe will support the realisation of satellite bus platforms through a two-phase approach. In Phase I, up to four Indian NGEs will be shortlisted based on their technical capabilities to develop a modular, multi-mission satellite bus system. In Phase II, IN-SPACe will support up to two hosted payload missions to demonstrate the utility of these platforms.

Through this Announcement of Opportunity (AO), IN-SPACe invites applications from eligible Indian NGEs to undertake the design, development, and realisation of small satellite bus systems capable of supporting multiple payloads. The effort is aimed at easing access to flight platforms, reducing time to orbit, and enabling in-orbit demonstration for payload developers.

Commenting on the AO, Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, said, “The Satellite Bus as a Service initiative is a pivotal step in democratizing access for India's Space Sector. By enabling NGE’s with this opportunity we are aiming to push innovation, and reduce our reliance on imports. Together we are looking at making India a global service provider of small satellite bus and hosted payload services.

Dr. Rajeev Jyoti, Director, Technical Directorate at IN-SPACe, added, “SBaaS is designed to bridge the gap between payload developers and satellite platforms. By providing a standardized, modular bus platform, we offer a cost-effective solution for in-orbit validation of diverse payloads. This initiative will accelerate the development cycle for emerging technologies and enhance India's capabilities in delivering end-to-end space solutions.”

The detailed Announcement of Opportunity (AO) document is available on the IN-SPACe Digital Platform (www.inspace.gov.in). Eligible NGEs may register on the platform to access the application process and submit their proposals in the prescribed format.

IN-SPACe was constituted in June 2020 following the Central Government’s decision to open up the space sector and enable the participation of Indian private sector in the gamut of space activities. The Indian National Space Promotion and authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), acts as a single-window, independent, nodal agency which functions as an autonomous agency in Department of Space (DOS).

IN-SPACe is responsible for the promotion, enabling, authorization, and supervision of various space activities of the Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) that include, among others, the building of launch vehicles & satellites and providing space-based services; sharing of space infrastructure and premises under ISRO; and establishment of new space infrastructure and facilities. The functions of IN-SPACe are being carried out by three Directorates viz., Promotion Directorate (PD), Technical Directorate (TD) and Program Management & Authorization Directorate (PMAD) and Administration, Finance & Legal Wing.