New Spacecom policy to allow private Indian companies to launch satellites, sell services

BENGALURU: Just weeks after deciding to open up the space sector, the department of space (DoS) has proposed to enable private Indian firms to not just use existing space assets for communication services, but also develop new systems, launch satellites and sell services to foreign customers under its Spacecom Policy-2020.

Companies will be allowed to set up control centres outside India and use overseas space assets, says a draft of the policy, which will replace the existing Satcom Policy. “The (new) policy will have everything the Satcom Policy has in terms of protection of our assets, creation of new assets, monitoring and operations. The major changes are to encourage the private sector and renew focus on enhancing national security capabilities,” K Sivan, secretary, DoS, told TOI.