Why in news?
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN‑SPACe) has issued a Request for Proposal to establish state‑of‑the‑art Antariksh Prayogshala (Space Labs) in selected universities. The initiative, announced on 19 December 2025, seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs in the space sector.
Background
IN‑SPACe is an autonomous body under the Department of Space, created in 2020 to regulate and promote private participation in India’s space activities. It has since authorised private launches and satellite missions. The new labs are intended to build a skilled workforce for India’s growing private space industry and support the country’s long‑term goal of establishing its own space station.
Key elements of the programme
- Selection and funding: Up to seven universities—one from each geographic zone—will be selected. IN‑SPACe will fund up to 75 % of the project cost, capped at ₹5 crore per institution. Funds will be disbursed on a milestone basis.
- Hands‑on training: The labs will be equipped with facilities for satellite assembly, integration and testing, as well as for developing space‑related hardware and software. Students will receive practical training in propulsion, navigation, communication and payload integration.
- Industry collaboration: Each lab will serve as a shared facility for students, researchers and non‑governmental entities. Partnerships with private companies will enable internships, joint research and incubation of start‑ups.
- Selection process: Institutions will first be screened against eligibility criteria in the RfP. Shortlisted proposals will then be evaluated by an empowered committee before final selections are made on a zone‑wise basis.
Significance
By offering applied research and early‑stage innovation infrastructure, the Antariksh Prayogshala scheme aims to build depth, scale and sustainability in India’s space ecosystem. It will also encourage equitable regional representation and provide a platform for start‑ups to develop technologies for future missions.
Sources: TH
