New MoUs to Propel Karnataka as India’s Commercial Space Powerhouse

The Karnataka government and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre ( IN-SPACe) announced on Wednesday that they had signed Memorandums of Understanding to expedite the state's ascent to prominence as India's premier commercial space launchpad.

The MoUs, which were signed by the state government's Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, call for the creation of a Center of Excellence for Space Technologies in Bengaluru as well as the creation of a public private space manufacturing park to serve as the hub for the production with a projected rise of next-generation satellites and launch vehicles. The framework for collaboration between the Karnataka government and IN-SPACe in establishing the center of Excellence and the manufacturing park is set by the agreements, according to a release.

A  mature ecosystem across the space sector value chain is already boasted by Karnataka, comprising government agencies, private players, MSMEs, ISRO headquarters, DRDO labs, and public-sector undertakings such as HAL,BEL, BHEL, and NAL, along with leading academic and research institutions. The Strategic move to align regional aspirations with national goals is reflected by the MoUs signed with Karnataka.

In the presence of Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, and Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, the agreements were signed by Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to the Government (Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology). Government of Karnataka, and Lochan Sehra, IAS, Joint Secretary, IN-SPACe. "The MoUs with IN-SPACe mark a new chapter in Karnataka's space journey, creating a seamless talent and value chain with the regulatory support needed to compete globally," said Shalini Rajneesh.