Ban on import of communication satellites opens up opportunity: Isro chief

<p class="p1">The government's decision to ban the import of communication satellites throws up a huge opportunity for private players, said K. Sivan, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and Secretary, Department of Space.</p>
<p class="p1">Speaking at the webinar on 'Unlocking India's Potential in Space Sector' today, Sivan said the decision throws up a huge opportunity for private players, Isro and NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL).</p>
<p class="p1">Recently the government had banned the import of 101 defence items to make the Indian defence industry self-reliant and boost indigenization.</p>
<p class="p1">The list of import embargoed items includes satellites like GSAT 7R, GSAT-6 Satellite Terminals and Communication Satellite GSAT-7C.</p>
<p class="p1">Sivan also said the launch of small satellites also offers immense potential for the private sector and some private sector companies will soon realize their rockets.</p>
<p class="p1">According to him, the private sector participation in the space sector is healthy as it increases diversity.</p>
<p class="p1">Stressing that Isro is not being privatized Sivan said the space agency will look at research and development (R&D), capacity building, and facilitate private sector participation.</p>
<p class="p1">He said the private sector will have to do its own R&D, funding, market studies and others while Isro will provide the technical knowhow while the proposed Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) will be the regulatory body for the private players in the space sector.</p>
<p class="p1">According to Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, the public-private-partnership (PPP) model is the way to go while unlocking potential in the space sector.</p>
<p class="p1">He said cost efficiency, high-end engineering skill and frugal engineering will propel the Indian space sector. Mahindra urged the government to think and create structures and systems that were not there earlier.</p>
<p class="p1">According to R. Umamaheswaran, Scientific Secretary, Isro, the Space Activities Bill has been submitted to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and inter-ministerial consultation will happen and the Cabinet will take a decision.</p>
<p class="p1">He added the Satcom Policy, Remote Sensing Policy is being reviewed and a new Navigation Policy is being formulated.</p>
<p class="p1">Mahima Datla, Managing Director, Biological E Ltd spoke about the PPP in the development of vaccines.</p>.