Antariksh Prayogshala (Space Labs)

Antariksh Prayogshala (Space Labs) Latest News

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) recently rolled out a Request for Proposal (RfP) to establish Antariksh Prayogshala (Space Labs) at select academic institutions across India.

About Antariksh Prayogshala (Space Labs)

• It is an initiative of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
• It is a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at creating state-of-the-art space laboratories within Indian academic institutions. 
• These labs will provide hands-on training to students pursuing space tech courses in academic institutes spread across the country. 
• This initiative is intended to enable meaningful industry–academia collaboration and support India’s long-term vision of becoming a leading global space economy.
• Under the scheme, up to seven academic institutions will be selected in a phased manner from different zones across the country. 
• To ensure balanced regional representation, one lab is proposed in each zone. 
• These labs will also be available to Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) for utilization in that zone. 
• IN-SPACe will provide financial support of up to 75 percent of the total project cost, with a cap of ₹5 crore per institution, to be released on a milestone-linked basis.
• The selection process will be carried out in two stages. 
  • Institutions will first be screened based on eligibility criteria.
  • Shortlisted applicants will then be evaluated and ranked by an Empowered Committee (EC), following which final selections will be made on a zone-wise basis.

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Key Facts about IN-SPACe

• It is a single-window, independent, nodal agency that functions as an autonomous agency in the Department of Space (DOS). 
• It is formed following the Space sector reforms to enable and facilitate the participation of private players.
• IN-SPACe is responsible to promote, enable, authorize and supervise various space activities of non-governmental entities  (NGEs), including 
  • Building launch vehicles & satellites and providing space-based services; 
  • Sharing space infrastructure and premises under the control of DOS/ISRO.
  • Establishing new space infrastructure and facilities.
• The agency acts as an interface between ISRO and NGEs and assesses how to utilize India’s space resources better and increase space-based activities. 
• It also assesses the needs and demands of private players, including educational and research institutions, and explores ways to accommodate these requirements in consultation with ISRO.

Source: TH