In a significant move to bolster India's space technology capabilities and nurture future-ready professionals, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has unveiled a pioneering plan to establish advanced Space Labs, named 'Antariksh Prayogshala', within select academic institutions across the country.
Bridging Theory and Practice in Space Tech
This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to create cutting-edge space laboratories inside Indian universities and institutes that offer courses in space technology. The core objective is to move beyond textbook learning by providing students with hands-on training and real-world exposure. Vinod Kumar, Director (Promotion) at IN-SPACe, emphasized that the program is designed to translate academic knowledge into deployable capability. These labs will serve as shared hubs, accessible not only to students and researchers but also to non-government entities in each region, fostering a collaborative environment for applied research and early-stage innovation aligned with industry needs.
Funding and Phased Implementation
The rollout will be strategic and inclusive. Up to seven academic institutions will be selected in a phased manner, with one Space Lab planned for each geographical zone of India to ensure balanced regional development. IN-SPACe has committed substantial financial backing, offering to cover up to 75% of the total project cost, with a cap of Rs 5 crore per institution. The funding will be disbursed on a milestone-linked basis, ensuring accountability and steady progress in setting up and making the labs operational.
A Rigorous Two-Stage Selection Process
The selection of institutions will follow a meticulous two-stage process. Initially, applicants will be screened against specific eligibility criteria outlined in the recently released Request for Proposal (RfP). Proposals that make the cut will then be evaluated and ranked by an Empowered Committee. The final selections will be made on a zone-wise basis, guaranteeing nationwide representation.
Fueling India's Global Space Ambitions
The broader vision behind the Antariksh Prayogshala scheme is multi-faceted. It seeks to deepen the crucial collaboration between industry and academia, creating a robust pipeline of skilled professionals. The expected outcomes include structured practical training for students, closer engagement with the space industry, and the development of a talent pool ready to contribute to the sector's expansion. This initiative is a strategic step to support the rapid growth of India's private space ecosystem and to complement the ambitious national space missions led by ISRO, ultimately positioning India as a leading global space economy.
By investing in infrastructure and human capital at the academic roots, IN-SPACe is laying a practical foundation for the depth, scale, and long-term sustainability of India's journey into the final frontier.
