The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has announced an initiative to seek proposals from Indian startups and private companies for the development and management of a space-based Earth Observation (EO) system. This project, set to be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, aims to create a constellation of satellites with advanced imaging technologies, addressing the increasing demand for EO data and enhancing India’s space economy.
BulletsIn
- IN-SPACe has invited proposals from Indian startups and private companies to build and manage a space-based Earth Observation (EO) system.
- The project will follow a public-private partnership (PPP) model and involve designing, building, and launching a satellite constellation.
- The constellation will be equipped with advanced imaging technologies including achromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral, and microwave imaging.
- Applicants must register by August 1, with a pre-expression of interest (EoI) conference scheduled for August 8 and application submissions due by September 10.
- Evaluation criteria include funding, valuation, and revenue, with a minimum funding requirement of INR 85 Cr or INR 42.5 Cr for startups.
- Applicants must also meet valuation thresholds of INR 850 Cr or have average annual revenues of INR 200 Cr over three years.
- The project includes satellite launch, spacecraft health monitoring, and data management through either self-operated ground stations or ground station as a service (GSaaS).
- The EO system aims to reduce foreign dependency for space-based EO data and boost India’s space economy.
- Selected applicants will have opportunities to monetize space data and services, positioning India as a significant global data provider.
- This initiative follows recent reports about the Centre’s plans to support the launch of 12 EO satellites and a broader push for spacetech sector growth, including a INR 1,000 Cr venture capital fund for spacetech startups.
