What is the news?
The government clarified the mandate of the New Space India Limited(NSIL) to the Rajya Sabha. It was in response to a query by the Standing Committee on Science and Technology on whether NSIL would replace ISRO.
What will be the role of ISRO?
- ISRO would be in charge of projects linked to “national security and advanced technology” — like the forthcoming Chandrayaan 2 mission and the Gaganyaan mission that plans to send Indian cosmonauts into space.
- However, the bulk of commercial activities would increasingly be handled by New Space India Limited (NSIL).
About New Space India Limited(NSIL):
NSIL was established in 2019. It is a completely Govt. owned Undertaking / CPSE. It is under the administrative control of the Department of Space (DOS).
- Objective: To commercially exploit the research and development work of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- Mandate:
- Owning satellites for Earth Observation and Communication applications and providing space-based services
- Building satellites and launching them as per demand
- Providing Launch Services for satellite belonging to the customer
- Building launch vehicles through Indian Industry and launch as per satellite customer requirement
- Space based Services related to Earth Observation and Communication satellites on a commercial basis
- Satellite building through Indian Industry
- Technology Transfer to Indian Industry
Source: The Hindu