Introduction
  • The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has invited proposals to establish Antariksh Prayogshala (Space Labs) in selected academic institutions across India.
  • The initiative aims to strengthen India’s space technology ecosystem and develop future-ready human resources.
  • A Request for Proposal (RfP) has been issued for this purpose.
INSPACE INVITES PROPOSALS TO ESTABLISH SPACE LABS ACROSS ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS explained for UPSC

ABOUT ANTRIKSH PRAYOGSHALA INITIATIVE

  • Antariksh Prayogshala is a first-of-its-kind initiative to create state-of-the-art space laboratories within Indian academic institutions.
  • The labs are designed to provide hands-on training and practical exposure to students pursuing space technology and related courses.
  • The initiative bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world space applications.

OBJECTIVE

  • The initiative aims to translate academic learning into deployable space capabilities.
  • It promotes applied research, early-stage innovation, and skill development.
  • It strengthens industry–academia collaboration in the space sector.
  • It supports India’s long-term goal of becoming a leading global space economy.

COVERAGE & REGIONAL REPRESENTATION

  • Up to seven academic institutions will be selected under the scheme.
  • Selection will be carried out in a phased manner.
  • To ensure balanced regional representation, one Space Lab will be established in each geographical zone of India.
  • The labs will also be available for use by Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in the respective zones.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT BY IN-SPACE

  • IN-SPACe will provide financial support of up to 75 percent of the total project cost.
  • The maximum financial assistance is capped at ₹5 crore per institution.
  • Funds will be released on a milestone-linked basis.

SELECTION PROCESS

  • The selection process will be conducted in two stages.
  • In the first stage, institutions will be screened based on eligibility criteria mentioned in the RfP.
  • In the second stage, shortlisted institutions will be evaluated and ranked by an Empowered Committee.
  • Final selection will be done on a zone-wise basis.

ROLE IN INDUSTRY ACADEMIA COLLABORATION

  • Antariksh Prayogshala will function as a shared platform for students, researchers, and industry stakeholders.
  • The labs will support collaborative research aligned with industry needs.
  • This will improve the practical relevance of academic research in the space sector.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION

  • The initiative focuses on hands-on and experiential learning.
  • It supports early-stage innovation and experimentation by students and researchers.
  • The labs will help create a skilled workforce ready for the space industry.

STATEMENT BY IN-SPACE

  • According to the Director of the Promotion Directorate at IN-SPACe, the initiative is designed to build depth, scale, and sustainability in India’s space ecosystem.
  • He highlighted that the labs align academic efforts with real industry requirements.

ABOUT IN-SPACE

  • IN-SPACe is a single-window, independent, nodal agency functioning as an autonomous body under the Department of Space (DoS).
  • It was established following space sector reforms to enable and facilitate private sector participation.
  • IN-SPACe is responsible for promoting, enabling, authorising, and supervising space activities of Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs).
  • Its responsibilities include:
    • Authorising NGEs to build launch vehicles and satellites and provide space-based services.
    • Facilitating sharing of space infrastructure and facilities under the control of DoS and ISRO.
    • Enabling the establishment of new space infrastructure and facilities.
  • IN-SPACe acts as an interface between ISRO and private entities.
  • It assesses how India’s space resources can be optimally utilised to expand space-based activities.
  • It also evaluates the needs of private players, academic institutions, and research bodies and works with ISRO to accommodate these requirements.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INITIATIVE

  • Antariksh Prayogshala strengthens India’s institutional capacity in space education and research.
  • It enhances the participation of private and academic institutions in the space sector.
  • The initiative contributes to self-reliance, innovation, and global competitiveness.

CONCLUSION

  • The Antariksh Prayogshala initiative represents a major step toward integrating education, research, and industry in India’s space ecosystem.
  • By providing funding, infrastructure, and collaborative platforms, it supports the creation of a robust and future-oriented space workforce.
  • The initiative aligns with India’s ambition to emerge as a major global space power.