IN-SPACe launches Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative for Indian NGEs

Ahmedabad: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) on Saturday announced an opportunity (AO) for Indian non-governmental entities (NGEs) under the Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative. A satellite bus (or spacecraft bus) is the main body and structural component of a satellite or spacecraft, in which the payload and all scientific instruments are held.
The initiative aims to provide a pathway for Indian private space players to design and develop small satellite bus platforms for hosted payload applications. IN-SPACe will support it in two phases. First, up to four Indian NGEs will be shortlisted to develop a modular, multi-mission satellite bus system. Second, support will be provided for up to two hosted payload missions for the demonstration of utilities.

Pawan Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe, said that it will push innovation and reduce reliance on imports. Rajeev Jyoti, director of IN-SPACe, said, "SBaaS is designed to bridge the gap between payload developers and satellite platforms. By providing a standardised, modular bus platform, we offer a cost-effective solution for in-orbit validation of diverse payloads."