Understanding the Satellite Bus Concept
IN-SPACe Launches Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) to Boost Private Space Innovation: A satellite bus is essentially the backbone of a satellite system. It houses all the essential support functions such as power supply, thermal control, and communication systems. These allow the attached payload—which might be a camera, sensor, or transmitter—to perform its mission. You can imagine the satellite bus as a truck, and the payload as the goods it’s delivering to orbit. The design is usually modular, meaning it can be reused and adapted for different types of missions, making it cost-effective and scalable.
India’s New Satellite Platform Vision
IN-SPACe has launched a pioneering initiative called Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) aimed at empowering India’s private space players. This move is expected to significantly reduce dependence on foreign satellite components while helping India become a global provider of hosted-payload and small satellite services. Hosted payloads are smaller mission modules mounted on a satellite bus built by a different entity. With SBaaS, India aims to accelerate its private sector’s growth and become a leading provider in this fast-emerging space domain.
The Two-Phase SBaaS Rollout
The SBaaS initiative will be implemented in two main phases. In the first phase, IN-SPACe will select up to four qualified Indian private entities based on their technical potential to design modular, mission-ready satellite buses. These buses must support various types of space missions using common core systems. In the second phase, IN-SPACe will fund up to two in-orbit demonstration missions, where these platforms will be tested with actual payloads in space. The deadline for registration is May 15, and proposals must be submitted by June 23, 2025.
Why SBaaS Matters for India
SBaaS is a transformative move that simplifies the process of creating satellites by connecting developers of instruments and payloads with teams that can build and operate the satellite bus. This reduces both time and cost in launching space projects. It also opens the door for faster innovation, particularly in satellite-based services like remote sensing, telecommunications, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) systems. By focusing on smaller, agile satellites, India can offer space solutions not just domestically, but to global clients as well.
IN-SPACe’s Expanding Role in Space Innovation
Launched in June 2020, IN-SPACe operates under the Department of Space and was created to open up India’s government-led space sector to private industry. It authorizes and monitors satellite and launch vehicle projects by non-governmental entities. Through strategic efforts like SBaaS, IN-SPACe is enabling the commercialisation of India’s space technology while ensuring that private players have access to key infrastructure, support, and international markets.
Static GK Snapshot
IN-SPACe Launches Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) to Boost Private Space Innovation:
| Topic | Details |
| Full Form of IN-SPACe | Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre |
| Established | June 2020 |
| Parent Organisation | Department of Space, Government of India |
| SBaaS Full Form | Satellite Bus as a Service |
| SBaaS Launch Year | 2025 |
| Key Objective | Promote private satellite bus development and hosted missions |
| Phase I Focus | Select up to 4 NGEs to build modular satellite platforms |
| Phase II Focus | Sponsor up to 2 in-orbit validation missions |
| Registration Deadline | May 15, 2025 |
| Proposal Submission Deadline | June 23, 2025 |
| Role of IN-SPACe | Facilitate private participation in India’s space economy |
