The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) has issued an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) aimed at identifying and enabling Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) to utilize unutilized International Telecommunication Union (ITU) satellite filings. This opportunity refers to a satellite network filing made by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to the ITU for registering satellite operations. The process includes submitting technical details regarding the satellite’s orbital position and frequencies, ensuring coordination to avoid interference between different satellites.
The current AO is focused on the ITU filing “INSAT-KA89ER,” which involves uplink frequencies ranging from 21 GHz to 31 GHz and downlink frequencies between 17.7 GHz and 21.2 GHz. NGEs are invited to submit their technical and price proposals, with the best bid gaining the opportunity to build, launch, and operate their satellite.
Dr. P.K. Jain, Director of Programme Management and Authorization at IN-SPACe, highlighted that this marks the first time NGEs have been invited to play a direct role in satellite operation. While securing the opportunity is a significant milestone, Jain emphasized that NGEs will still have to manage extensive frequency coordination, which includes coordination activities with foreign operators, filing modifications, and following due diligence procedures. Furthermore, the final operating frequencies will need to align with India’s National Frequency Allocation Plan, existing ITU regulations, and require approval from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
IN-SPACe’s Seed Fund for Blue Economy
In a related development, IN-SPACe has announced another AO focusing on the blue economy, establishing a seed fund to support innovative projects in the maritime sector. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance, mentorship, and resources to help startups and small enterprises develop space technology solutions that address key blue economy challenges.
The AO highlights the importance of space technology in fostering sustainable development within the blue economy. It calls for proposals on topics including ocean monitoring, marine biology, maritime safety, and environmental conservation. Projects targeting areas such as illegal fishing prevention, oceanography, and enhanced maritime surveillance are encouraged to participate in this initiative, which underscores the vital role space technology plays in safeguarding marine resources and ensuring climate resilience.
Source: The Hindu businessline
