ISRO Developing Space Tourism Capabilities, To Demonstrate Human Spaceflight Potential: Govt

IN-SPACe seeks to actively promote participation of the private sector in conducting end-to-end space activities, including space tourism, Jitendra Singh said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing indigenous capabilities towards space tourism through the demonstration of human spaceflight capability to low Earth orbit (LEO), Union Minister for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, said Thursday. 

The Indian National Space Promotion Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) also seeks to actively promote participation of the private sector in conducting end-to-end space activities, Singh further said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha Thursday. These end-to-end space activities include space tourism as well, according to a statement released by the Department of Space, Union Ministry of Science and Technology.

What Are ISRO’s Plans?

Replying to a question on space diplomacy, Singh said ISRO pursues international cooperation and relations with 61 countries in different domains of space activities.

According to ISRO, IN-SPACe is an independent nodal agency under the Department of Space (DOS) that allows space activities and the usage of facilities owned by the DOS by non-government private entities (NGPEs). IN-SPACe is also meant to prioritise the launch manifest, and to promote, handhold, and authorise the activities of the private sector in the space domain. The activities of young entrepreneurs and students interested in space science could also be promoted by IN-SPACe.

ISRO centres can share their technical facilities and expertise with private entities with the help of IN-SPACe.

Replying to a related question, Singh wrote that the DOS is in the process of drafting a comprehensive and integrated space policy. This shall provide direction to the activities of the private Indian space industry. 

Recent Developments In Indian Space Sector

Earlier this month, Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based technology start-up, launched its rocket making facility. The facility, called Rocket Factory – 1, is said to be India's first-ever facility dedicated to 3D printed rocket engines. 

Rocket Factory –1 is spread over 10,000 square feet at the IIT Madras Research Park. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, and S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, had formally inaugurated the facility.

Last month, Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, said there will soon be a new space policy in India, and hinted at the fact that India can have its own 'SpaceX-like ventures' in the next two years.

He further said that the Indian government is seeking to increase private participation in the space sector, and will soon unveil the new policy.