Analysis Of Yojana Magazine ”Startups In Space Tech”

Relevance

”GS 3: Space Technology”

Context

• India is entering into an era when it is going to play a pivotal role in space technology with India already having taken a lead in the world as far as space technology is concerned.
• Twenty-five years from here would be crucial for the country as the ascent of India as a frontline nation of the world has already started through the medium of space.

Key Steps by Government

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has taken steps to attract new startups in the field of Defence and Space.
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme, Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) Scheme, ANIC-ARISE Scheme, Atal Incubation Centre Scheme(AIM) are some key schemes for promoting startups in space tech.
• The Government on 24th June 2020 approved far-reaching reforms in the Space Sector aimed at boosting private sector participation in the entire range of space activities.

What is Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme?

• It is a program of MoD executed by DRDO under the Make in India initiative.
• The scheme was approved in September 2016.
• The Government has approved TDF Scheme to encourage industries, especially MSMEs and Startups to develop various defence technologies.
• The scheme operates in Grants-in-Aid Mode.

What is the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe)?

• Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) is constituted as an autonomous agency in the Department of Space (DoS) for enabling space activities, as well as, usage of Department of Space owned facilities by Non-Governmental Private Entities (NGPEs) and to permit, regulate, promote, hand-hold, monitor and supervise Space Activities of NGPEs in India.

Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) Scheme & DRDO

• An Atal Tinkering Lab provides activity-based learning in the identified schools across the country where young minds can give shape to their ideas for societal problems.
• It also fosters entrepreneurship and innovation to acquire a problem solving, tinkering and innovative mindset.
• Department of Space, ISRO adopted 100 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the country to promote education in the field of STEM, Space education and Space technology-related innovations for school students.

Atal Incubation Centre Scheme(AIM)

• It is a flagship initiative to promote the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India.
• It is an umbrella structure that has been mandated to promote innovation and revolutionize the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country.
• AIM has supported more than 15 startups working in Space Tech and related industries across India.
• The focus areas for these startups are UAV, Drone and Surveillance Equipment, Aero tech, Air Taxi, Space debris tracking and monitoring service, and space education among others.

What is ANIC-ARISE Scheme?

• The Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-ANIC program is a national initiative to promote research & innovation and increase the competitiveness of Indian startups and MSMEs.
• ANIC-ARISE program of AIM in association with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched challenge statements in the below focus areas:

a. Propulsion – Green propellants, Electric propulsion, advanced air-breathing.

b. Geo-spatial information using Machine Learning /Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI).

c. Application of robotics, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) techniques.

Conclusion

With the unlocking of space technology, times to come would have space economy, space collaboration, space diplomacy and space conquest.