PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (PPP) MODEL FOR EARTH OBSERVATION SATELLITE CONSTELLATIONS

The Department of Space, through IN‑SPACe, has announced a Public‑Private Partnership framework for Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellations. Under the scheme, private firms, start‑ups and academic institutions can design, build, own and operate EO satellites, including ultra‑high‑resolution optical, multispectral, hyperspectral and SAR satellites, using Indian launch vehicles and domestic ground infrastructure. The government has introduced financial incentives such as the Antariksh Venture Capital Fund (₹1,000 cr), Technology Adoption Fund (₹500 cr), Seed Fund Scheme (up to ₹1 cr), and a ₹500 cr outlay for common technical facilities. IN‑SPACe has approved a 12‑satellite constellation with Allied Orbits Private Limited, estimating an investment of over ₹1,200 cr, to be operational by 2029. The PPP model aims to boost disaster management, agriculture, climate monitoring, urban planning, border surveillance and the broader space economy.