Dr. Jitendra Singh Calls Upon Industry to Scale Up Investments in India's Space Sector

📌 Summary:

• At the 10th IN-SPACe Industry Connect, MoS (IC) Dr Jitendra Singh urged industry to scale up investment in India's space sector to build indigenous, globally competitive technologies
• India's private space ecosystem has grown to over 400 start-ups after space sector reforms; firms cited include Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Galaxeye, Digantara and Dhruva Space
• Policy support: Indian Space Policy 2023 for strategic direction and regulatory clarity; liberalised FDI regime; IN-SPACe as the single-window enabling and authorising body across the space value chain
• Funding: a ₹1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund and a ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund; plus seed funding, incubation, and an AICTE-approved Space Technology curriculum
• Vision of 'Atmanirbhar Antariksh'; called for greater philanthropy in R&D as service to society

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 S&T — space sector reforms, private participation and indigenisation.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• IN-SPACe = Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (single-window body)
• Indian Space Policy released in 2023
• ₹1,000 crore VC Fund + ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund; 400+ space start-ups

🔑 Key Term: IN-SPACe — autonomous body under the Department of Space that promotes, authorises and supervises non-governmental (private) space activities.