INSPACE INVITES PROPOSALS TO ESTABLISH SPACE LABS ACROSS ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS

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.

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.

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