Understanding NewSpace India Limited and Its Impact

What is NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)?

NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is a fully owned enterprise of the Government of India, established on 6 March 2019, operating under the Companies Act of 2013. It functions under the administrative oversight of the Department of Space (DOS) and acts as the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Primary Responsibilities of NSIL

NSIL's core responsibilities include enabling Indian industries to engage in high-technology space-related activities. Additionally, it focuses on the promotion and commercial exploitation of products and services that emerge from the Indian space program.

Contribution to the Indian Space Program

NSIL leverages the established heritage of the Indian Space Program and ISRO's extensive expertise across various branches of space technology to meet the demands of its customers effectively.

Major Business Areas of NSIL

The key business areas handled by NSIL include:

• Production of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) through collaboration with the industry.
• Production and marketing of space-based services, encompassing launch services, transponder leasing, remote sensing, and mission support services.
• Development of satellites (both Communication and Earth Observation) tailored to user specifications.
• Transfer of technology developed by ISRO centers and the Department of Space's constituent institutions.
• Marketing of spin-off technologies and products/services derived from ISRO activities.
• Provision of consultancy services to various stakeholders.

Support for Indian Industries in Space Technology

NSIL plays a pivotal role in facilitating Indian industries' involvement in high-technology space activities, thereby promoting growth and self-reliance within the nation's space sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main goal of NewSpace India Limited?
Answer: The primary goal of NewSpace India Limited is to enable Indian industries to engage in high-technology space-related activities and to commercialize products and services emerging from the Indian space program.

Q2. How does NSIL support satellite production?
Answer: NSIL supports satellite production by collaborating with the industry to develop both Communication and Earth Observation satellites based on specific user requirements.

Q3. What services does NSIL provide?
Answer: NSIL offers various services, including launch services, transponder leasing, remote sensing, and mission support services, aimed at enhancing the commercial viability of space technology.

Q4. What is the significance of technology transfer by NSIL?
Answer: Technology transfer by NSIL is significant as it allows industries to utilize advanced space technologies developed by ISRO, fostering innovation and self-reliance in the Indian space sector.

Q5. When was NSIL established?
Answer: NewSpace India Limited was established on 6 March 2019, marking a pivotal step in the commercialization of India's space initiatives.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: When was NewSpace India Limited established?
A) 2015
B) 2017
C) 2019
D) 2021
Correct Answer: C

Question 2: What is the primary function of NSIL?
A) Conducting space exploration
B) Commercializing space technologies
C) Managing ISRO's finances
D) Training space scientists
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Which vehicle is produced by NSIL for satellite launches?
A) Gaganyaan
B) PSLV
C) Chandrayaan
D) Mangalyaan
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: NSIL collaborates with which sector for its operations?
A) Healthcare
B) Agriculture
C) Industry
D) Education
Correct Answer: C

Question 5: What type of services does NSIL provide?
A) Consultancy services
B) Remote sensing
C) Launch services
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D