The Indian Space Association (ISpA) and OrbitAID Aerospace, a startup focused on extending satellite life, have released a report urging the government to provide policy support and financial incentives to develop the country's nascent orbital servicing ecosystem. The report calls for a production-linked incentive (PLI) programme, procurement commitments from strategic sectors such as defence, and dedicated funding for companies developing in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) technologies.
What is ISAM?
ISAM refers to in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing, which includes satellite life extension, in-orbit repair, modular upgrades, and, in the long term, space-based assembly and manufacturing. These capabilities are critical for transitioning from disposable satellites to sustainable space infrastructure.
Key Recommendations
The report emphasizes that innovation-based grant programmes and seed funding schemes from agencies like IN-SPACe would support early-stage experimentation and prototyping by startups, component manufacturers, and end-users. It argues that procurement commitments would act as demand anchors, generating initial demand and establishing risk benchmarks for the market.
Additionally, the report suggests mapping and targeted support of components and sub-systems, along with standardisation and the establishment of testing infrastructure for this strategically important area.
Opportunity for India
The report notes that the shift from disposable satellites to serviceable space infrastructure offers a significant opportunity for India's growing private space sector. The increasing demand for satellite constellations has created an economic rationale for ISAM, including life extension and repair. "India is not constrained by massive investments in traditional space architectures to the same extent as more established spacefaring nations, and has already demonstrated global competitiveness in launch services through cost efficiency and engineering excellence," the report states.
By fostering a robust ISAM ecosystem, India can position itself as a leader in the emerging space services market, leveraging its cost advantages and engineering capabilities.
