The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has initiated a Request for Proposal (RfP) to establish Antariksh Prayogshala (Space Labs) at select academic institutions across India.
This initiative by IN-SPACe is the first of its kind, aimed at creating state-of-the-art space laboratories within Indian academic institutions. These labs will provide hands-on training to students pursuing space technology courses in various institutes nationwide.
The primary goal is to foster meaningful collaboration between industry and academia, supporting India’s aspiration to become a leading global space economy. Under this scheme, up to seven academic institutions will be selected in a phased manner from different zones across the country, ensuring balanced regional representation with one lab proposed for each zone.
Additionally, these labs will be available for utilization by Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in their respective zones. IN-SPACe will provide financial support covering up to 75 percent of the total project cost, capped at ₹5 crore per institution, released based on milestone achievements.
The selection process will occur in two stages. Initially, institutions will be screened based on eligibility criteria. Shortlisted applicants will then be evaluated and ranked by an Empowered Committee (EC), leading to final selections on a zone-wise basis.
IN-SPACe is an independent, single-window nodal agency operating under the Department of Space (DOS). Formed as part of space sector reforms, it facilitates private sector participation in space activities.
The agency is responsible for promoting, enabling, authorizing, and supervising various space activities conducted by non-governmental entities (NGEs), including:
Acting as an interface between ISRO and NGEs, IN-SPACe assesses how to better utilize India’s space resources and increase space-based activities. It also evaluates the needs and demands of private players, including educational and research institutions, exploring ways to accommodate these requirements in collaboration with ISRO.
Q1. What is Antariksh Prayogshala?
Answer: Antariksh Prayogshala, initiated by IN-SPACe, aims to establish space laboratories in academic institutions across India to enhance space technology education and industry collaboration.
Q2. How many institutions will be selected for the space labs?
Answer: Up to seven academic institutions will be selected in a phased manner, ensuring one lab in each zone of the country.
Q3. What financial support does IN-SPACe provide?
Answer: IN-SPACe offers financial support of up to 75% of the total project cost, capped at ₹5 crore per institution, linked to project milestones.
Q4. Who can utilize the Antariksh Prayogshala labs?
Answer: The labs will primarily serve academic institutions but will also be available to Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in the respective zones.
Q5. What role does IN-SPACe play in the Indian space sector?
Answer: IN-SPACe facilitates private sector participation, promotes various space activities, and acts as an interface between ISRO and non-governmental entities.
Question 1: What is the main purpose of Antariksh Prayogshala?
A) To provide financial assistance to students
B) To establish space labs in academic institutions
C) To promote international space collaboration
D) To develop satellites exclusively for ISRO
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How much financial support does IN-SPACe provide for each institution?
A) ₹1 crore
B) ₹2 crore
C) ₹5 crore
D) ₹10 crore
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which of the following is a responsibility of IN-SPACe?
A) Conducting space tourism
B) Building launch vehicles
C) Launching satellites independently
D) Managing ISRO's operational budget
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: How many zones will have an Antariksh Prayogshala lab?
A) Three
B) Five
C) Seven
D) Ten
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: Who can utilize the Antariksh Prayogshala labs?
A) Only government entities
B) Only academic institutions
C) Academic institutions and Non-Governmental Entities
D) Only private companies
Correct Answer: C
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