The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has announced the Integrated Launch Manifesto for space launches utilising the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) launch infrastructure. This manifesto details the launches planned by ISRO, New Space India Limited (NSIL) and various non-governmental entities (NGEs) for the fiscal years (FY) 2023-24 and 2024-25. As per the manifesto, about 30 launches are planned for the said years from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), half of which are catering to the commercial space sector of India with the rest being user-funded, scientific missions or technology test launches.
Out of the 14 commercial missions identified, seven launches are being undertaken by NSIL including two numbers of polar satellite launch vehicles (PSLVs) being realised through an industry consortium. This marks a substantial increase in launch activity compared to previous years and is a positive indicator of the expanding space ecosystem in the country.
According to IN-SPACe, this initiative aligns with the directives of the recently ratified Indian Space Policy, entrusting IN-SPACe with authorisation of launch manifesto for launch infrastructure created through public expenditure. The launch manifesto comprehensively covers user-funded, scientific missions and other technology demonstration launches by ISRO along with the commercial launches and associated primary and co-sharing passengers.
Further, IN-SPACe stated that the year 2023 stood as a milestone with the new space policy fostering rapid advancements in the sector. The integrated launch manifesto is in line with the Department of Space’s vision of optimising resources and encouraging innovation to establish India as a global manufacturing hub for space activities, aligning with the vision of Aatmnirbhar Bharat.
