IN-SPACe launches satellite bus as service initiative

BENGALURU: Space regulator and promoter IN-SPACe has unveiled a brand new alternative for Indian Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) via its Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative, designed to empower Indian personal house gamers to develop small satellite bus platforms for hosted payload functions.
A satellite bus is the primary physique and structural element of a satellite through which scientific devices are held.
The initiative will observe a two-phase strategy, with Phase I specializing in shortlisting as much as 4 Indian NGEs primarily based on their technical capabilities to develop modular, multi-mission satellite bus methods. In Phase II, IN-SPACe will assist as much as two hosted payload missions to display the utility of those 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 mentioned Saturday.
Pawan Goenka, chairman, IN-SPACe, mentioned that the Satellite Bus as a Service initiative is a pivotal step in democratising entry 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 mentioned the SBaaS is designed to bridge the hole between payload builders 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 mentioned.
The detailed Announcement of Opportunity doc is out there on the “IN-SPACe digital platform” for eligible NGEs to register.