03/06/2020 - S & T

KEY POINTS

·         Many doors of opportunity are opening in space sector. Reportedly, more than 17,000 small satellites will be launched in Low Earth Orbit by 2030. Exciting Indian space-tech startups are emerging in this area.

·         For instance, Prixxels, founded by two BITS Pilani graduates, is building a constellation of nano-satellites to provide global, real-time and affordable satellite imagery services.

·         Bengaluru-based startup, Bellatrix Aerospace offers novel “electric propulsion” systems, which have applications in the field of nano and micro-satellite propulsion.

·         And Mumbai-based startup Manastu Space has developed a “green propulsion” system using hydrogen peroxide as fuel.

Government’s help

·         The crucial issue of funding. We must trust and support early-stage innovations through “adventure” capital, not just risk-averse venture capital. We also need “patient” capital, as the lead times are long in this sector.

·         CSIR gave very low-interest soft loans to early-stage startups, who explored radical ideas. After proof of concept, other financial instruments, including venture capital, became available.

·         Startups need a head start in the market and the current public procurement system is heavily loaded against them. The lowest-cost-selection approach must change to lower total cost of ownership.

·         We need to create a robust space tech-startup national innovation ecosystem comprising incubators, accelerators, scalerators and mentors. ISRO has a pivotal role in anchoring this initiative. Just as important will be the synergy with the government’s flagship programmes such as Digital India, Startup India, Make in India, Smart Cities Mission, etc.

·         We urgently need a law that allows private players to participate across the space value chain, not just bits of it, as is the case today. The draft Space Activities Bill, introduced in 2017, has lapsed. This is an opportunity to rewrite it with a bold perspective.

In a fight against COVID-19 pandemic, our govt's decision of allowing the private sector to play a larger role in the country's space activities is a welcome step.

               As the digital revolution in the 21st century transformed the world economy, our space-tech starts ups like - "Bellatrix Aerospace, Manastu Space, and so on, need government nurturing and resources, for the better development of commercial space sector in the country.

>>> How govt nurture and provide resources to space tech starts ups ?

-  Accessibility : create level playing field for private companies in satellites, launches and space-based services by introducing a predictable policy and regulatory environment to private players and providing access to geospatial data and facilities of the ISRO. "New Space India Ltd." is a step in this direction.

- Funding : govt needs to give very low-interest soft loans to early-stage startups, who explored radical ideas because funding is the most crucial issue.

- Procurement : create an innovative public procurement policy for startups.

- Robustness : create a robust space tech-startup national innovation ecosystem comprising incubators, accelerators, scalerators and mentors. ISRO has a pivotal role in anchoring this step.

- Law : A legal framework is needed that allows private players to participate across the space value chain, not just bits of it.

This would further help in sharing of liability burden and licensing and authorisation procedures.   

              One example of the rise of private sector companies in the space sector is SpaceX run by the US entrepreneur Elon Musk. 

>>> Conclusion :

India needs to move quickly towards a new model for India’s space activity. It needs a regulatory environment that encourages  bold policies coupled with determined actions to promote innovations.

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