‘Healthy competition among States will help build a strong and diversified space industry’
Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe, Department of Space, Government of India, spoke to The Hindu about the space policies unveiled by multiple States and their potential impact on the sector in India.
Karnataka recently unveiled its space policy. What are your views on it?
The Karnataka Space Policy is a welcome step, and reflects the growing confidence and maturity of India’s space ecosystem. As more private players enter the sector, dedicated policies at the State-level help build supportive environments for talent, industry, start-ups and research.
Earlier this year, IN-SPACe and Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, signed MoUs for establishing a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Space Technologies in Bengaluru, and for setting up of a public-private space manufacturing park that will anchor next-generation satellite and launch-vehicle production.
Karnataka has a strong legacy in technology and innovation, and its decision to formalise a space policy will further encourage companies and academic institutions in the State to expand their contribution to India’s space sector.
Apart from Karnataka, many States have come up with their own space policies. How do you view this?
It is encouraging to see multiple States, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh — actively formulating space policies. Each of these States is doing commendable work to promote private investment, support startups, and enable local research. This multi-State momentum shows that space is now recognised as a strategic and high-value sector across the country. A healthy spirit of collaboration and competition among States will ultimately accelerate innovation, and help India build a strong and diversified space industry.
Have the State governments consulted IN-SPACe before formulating their respective policies? How has IN-SPACe helped them?
As the nodal agency under the Department of Space for the promotion and authorisation of non-government space activities in India, IN-SPACe is closely consulted by most State governments during the drafting of their space policies. We engage in multiple rounds of discussions wherever required, sharing insights on regulatory frameworks, industry requirements, safety standards, and global best practices.
Our role has been to guide and support States so their policies are inclusive, industry-friendly and aligned with the overall national vision for the space sector.
