IN-SPACe launches satellite bus as service initiative

BENGALURU: Space regulator and promoter IN-SPACe has unveiled a new opportunity for Indian Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) through its Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative, designed to empower Indian private space players to develop small satellite bus platforms for hosted payload applications.
A satellite bus is the main body and structural component of a satellite in which scientific instruments are held.
The initiative will follow a two-phase approach, with Phase I focusing on shortlisting up to four Indian NGEs based on their technical capabilities to develop modular, multi-mission satellite bus systems. 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), eligible Indian NGEs are invited to undertake the design, development, and realisation of small satellite bus systems capable of supporting multiple payloads. The effort aims to ease access to flight platforms, reduce time to orbit, and enable in-orbit demonstration for payload developers,” IN-SPACe said Saturday.
Pawan Goenka, chairman, IN-SPACe, said that the Satellite Bus as a Service initiative is a pivotal step in democratising access for India's Space sector.
“By enabling NGEs 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,” he added.
IN-SPACe director-technical Rajeev Jyoti said the 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. This initiative will accelerate the development cycle for emerging technologies and enhance India's capabilities in delivering end-to-end space solutions,” he said.
The detailed Announcement of Opportunity document is available on the “IN-SPACe digital platform” for eligible NGEs to register.