IN-SPACe Selects Three Indian Companies for Satellite Bus Service Program
India's space regulator and promoter, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), has completed the shortlisting process for three Indian companies. These firms will participate in the Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative. A formal announcement about the selection is expected very soon, possibly later this week.
Key Step in Building Domestic Space Ecosystem
Multiple sources have confirmed that the shortlisting marks a crucial step in IN-SPACe's efforts to develop a domestic ecosystem for small satellite platforms and hosted payload missions. "The announcement is expected anytime now, as all processes are complete," one source revealed. Following the announcement, the process of signing formal agreements with the selected companies will begin.
The Department of Space (DoS), under which IN-SPACe operates, has also been informed about the development. This move comes after the Announcement of Opportunity issued in April 2025, which invited proposals from Indian non-governmental entities.
How the SBaaS Program Works
Under the Satellite Bus as a Service program, private companies are encouraged to design and develop modular small satellite bus platforms. These platforms can host multiple payloads. The initiative aims to lower entry barriers for payload developers who often struggle to access flight-ready satellite platforms for in-orbit demonstration.
The program is being implemented in two distinct phases. Phase I focuses on the design and development of a standardized, multi-mission satellite bus. Up to four companies were eligible for selection based on their technical capabilities. The current shortlist of three firms falls within this initial phase.
Future Plans and Broader Objectives
In Phase II, IN-SPACe plans to support up to two hosted payload missions using the developed bus platforms. This will allow payload developers to demonstrate their technologies in orbit. Officials stated that the final number of missions and timelines would depend on technical readiness and specific mission requirements.
The SBaaS initiative seeks to ease access to flight platforms, reduce time to orbit, and enable quicker in-orbit validation for emerging technologies. It aligns with the broader policy push to increase private sector participation in India's space program and reduce dependence on imported satellite subsystems.
Leadership Perspectives on the Initiative
After announcing the program last year, IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka described SBaaS as a step toward democratizing access to space infrastructure. He emphasized that the initiative was intended to spur innovation among Indian private players and position India as a global service provider of small satellite bus and hosted payload services.
Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical) at IN-SPACe, noted that the program seeks to bridge a long-standing gap between payload developers and satellite platforms. It offers a standard, modular solution for in-orbit validation at a lower cost, making space technology more accessible.
