Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN SPACe) released the AO for making available Indian Orbital Resources to Non-Government Entities (NGEs) to own, establish, and operate a Geosynchronous Orbit satellite.

• Objective of this AO is to identify and enable the eligible NGEs to make use of unutilised ITU Filing.
• ‘Unutilised ITU filing’ refers to filing made by ISRO to International Telecommunication Union (ITU), for registering a satellite to coordinate use of orbital slots and frequencies to avoid interference between satellites.

Significance of Private Sector participation in Space

• Innovation and cost reduction: Through improved competition, better economies of scale, move towards demand-driven approach for development of space assets, etc.
• Commercialization of space: Development of new business models around space including satellite services, space tourism, etc.
• Complementing government efforts: Private firms can take on certain tasks allowing ISRO to focus on advanced research and exploration missions.

Challenges with Private sector participation in Space

• Legal and regulatory: Absence of clear national space legislation leading to lack of clarity on conducting space-related activities.
• Funding: Limited availability of venture capital for space startups in India, inadequate expenditure on R&D, etc.
• Others: Increase in Space debris, navigating compliance and liabilities under international conventions, etc.