The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), the regulatory body overseeing the private space sector, has shortlisted six out of nine bidders for the development of a Rs 15 billion earth observation satellite constellation.
A draft request for proposal (RFP) has been shared with the selected bidders, with the final version expected to be released in the latter half of March. Additionally, the shortlisted companies have raised certain queries that need to be addressed before they submit their financial bids.
Government agencies have a significant demand for geospatial data, which has traditionally been fulfilled by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). However, private companies are now expected to play a larger role in meeting this requirement.
Further, the expressions of interest (EoIs) outlined the responsibilities for non-government entities, including designing and manufacturing a low-earth orbit satellite constellation, equipping them with sensors, launching them via Indian launch vehicles, monitoring spacecraft health, managing payload data downloads, and processing data to generate analysis-ready insights. IN-SPACe had issued the EoI in July last year, with the application deadline set for December 6.
