IN-SPACe’s Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative aims to boost private sector involvement in satellite development by creating modular small satellite platforms designed by Indian entities for payload applications .
Detailed overview:
- Objective: The SBaaS initiative seeks to provide a pathway for Indian private space players to design and develop small satellite bus platforms for hosted payload applications . It aims to ease access to flight-ready platforms, reduce time to orbit, and enable in-orbit demonstration for payload developers, thereby boosting innovation and expanding India’s space capabilities .
- How it Works:
- IN-SPACe invites proposals from eligible Indian private players (Non-Governmental Entities or NGEs) to design, develop, and deliver small satellite bus systems that can host multiple payloads .
- The initiative is rolled out in two phases .
- Phase I: Up to four NGEs will be shortlisted based on their technical capabilities to develop a modular, multi-mission satellite bus .
- Phase II: IN-SPACe will support up to two hosted payload missions to demonstrate the platform’s utility .
- Benefits:
- Democratizing Access: SBaaS is designed to bridge the gap between payload developers and satellite platforms, providing a cost-effective, standardized solution for in-orbit demonstration of new technologies .
- Promoting Innovation: By enabling NGEs with this opportunity, the aim is to push innovation and reduce reliance on imports .
- Cost-Effective Solution: It offers a cost-effective solution for in-orbit validation of diverse payloads by providing a standardized, modular bus platform .
- Accelerated Development: This initiative will accelerate the development cycle for emerging technologies and enhance India’s capabilities in delivering end-to-end space solutions .
- Statements:
- Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, stated that the SBaaS initiative is a pivotal step in democratizing access for India’s space sector. He added that the aim is to push innovation and reduce reliance on imports, with the goal of making India a global service provider of small satellite bus and hosted payload services .
- Rajeev Jyoti, Director, Technical Directorate at IN-SPACe, added that SBaaS is designed to bridge the gap between payload developers and satellite platforms, providing a cost-effective, standardised solution for in-orbit demonstration of new technologies .
In summary, the SBaaS initiative is a strategic move to encourage private sector participation in space activities, reduce import dependence, and position India as a global hub for small satellite bus and hosted payload services …
