On April 26, 2025, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) unveiled the Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative, a groundbreaking program aimed at empowering Indian private companies to design and develop small satellite bus platforms for hosted payload applications. This strategic move is set to democratize access to space technology, foster innovation, and position India as a global leader in small satellite services. By providing a cost-effective and standardized platform, SBaaS aims to accelerate research-to-orbit timelines and enhance India’s space economy.
This article explores the SBaaS initiative, its phased approach, objectives, and its potential to transform India’s space sector. Optimized for readers interested in space technology, Indian innovation, and private sector participation, this piece offers a clear and engaging overview of this pivotal development.
What is Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS)?
Key Points:
- Launch Date: April 26, 2025, by IN-SPACe.
- Objective: Enable Indian non-governmental entities (NGEs) to develop modular small satellite bus platforms.
- Purpose: Provide cost-effective, flight-ready platforms for hosted payload applications.
- Announcement of Opportunity (AO): Invites proposals from Indian NGEs for platform development.
The SBaaS initiative is a pioneering program by IN-SPACe, the commercial arm of ISRO, designed to encourage private sector participation in India’s space industry. A satellite bus is the structural backbone of a satellite, providing power, propulsion, and communication systems to support payloads (instruments or experiments). Through SBaaS, IN-SPACe aims to create standardized, modular bus platforms that private companies can use to host diverse payloads, reducing costs and time for in-orbit validation of new technologies. The Announcement of Opportunity (AO) invites Indian non-governmental entities (NGEs) to design and develop these platforms, with detailed guidelines available on the IN-SPACe Digital Platform (www.inspace.gov.in).
Phased Approach of the SBaaS Initiative
Key Points:
- Phase I: Up to four NGEs shortlisted based on technical capabilities to develop modular satellite bus systems.
- Phase II: IN-SPACe supports up to two hosted payload missions to demonstrate platform utility.
- Focus: Modular, multi-mission satellite buses capable of supporting multiple payloads.
- Support: IN-SPACe provides technical and financial assistance to selected NGEs.
The SBaaS program follows a two-phase approach to ensure the development and validation of small satellite bus platforms:
- Phase I: IN-SPACe will shortlist up to four Indian NGEs based on their ability to design a modular, multi-mission satellite bus system. These platforms must support diverse payloads for applications like communication, remote sensing, or scientific experiments.
- Phase II: Up to two hosted payload missions will be supported to demonstrate the platforms’ effectiveness in orbit, showcasing their reliability and versatility.
This structured approach ensures that selected NGEs receive technical guidance and resources from IN-SPACe, fostering innovation while maintaining high standards.
Objectives of the SBaaS Initiative
Key Points:
- Democratize Access: Simplify access to flight-ready satellite platforms for startups and private players.
- Boost Innovation: Accelerate development cycles for emerging space technologies.
- Reduce Import Reliance: Promote indigenous satellite bus platforms to enhance self-reliance.
- Global Leadership: Position India as a service provider for small satellite bus and payload services.
The SBaaS initiative is designed to transform India’s space ecosystem by:
- Easing Access: Providing standardized platforms to reduce barriers for payload developers, enabling faster and cheaper access to space.
- Driving Innovation: Supporting startups and private companies to develop cutting-edge technologies for in-orbit validation.
- Promoting Self-Reliance: Reducing dependence on imported satellite platforms by fostering indigenous solutions.
- Establishing Global Presence: Aiming to make India a global hub for small satellite services, as emphasized by Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, who stated, “Together, we are looking at making India a global service provider of small satellite bus and hosted payload services.”
Significance for India’s Space Sector
Key Points:
- Private Sector Growth: Encourages startups and NGEs to contribute to India’s space economy.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Modular platforms lower costs for payload developers.
- Time Efficiency: Reduces time-to-orbit for new technologies.
- IN-SPACe’s Role: Acts as a single-window agency to streamline private sector participation.
The SBaaS initiative is a significant step toward expanding India’s space economy, which is projected to grow substantially in the coming years. By enabling private companies to develop small satellite bus platforms, IN-SPACe is fostering a vibrant ecosystem for space startups and innovators. Dr. Rajeev Jyoti, Director of IN-SPACe’s Technical Directorate, noted, “SBaaS is designed to bridge the gap between payload developers and satellite platforms, providing a cost-effective, standardized solution for in-orbit demonstration of new technologies.” This initiative aligns with IN-SPACe’s mandate, established in June 2020, to facilitate private sector involvement in space activities under the Department of Space (DoS).
Application Process and Eligibility
Key Points:
- Eligibility: Indian NGEs with proven technical capabilities in satellite technology.
- Application Platform: IN-SPACe Digital Platform (www.inspace.gov.in).
- Proposal Submission: NGEs must submit detailed proposals per the AO guidelines.
- Deadline: Not specified, but applications are open as of April 26, 2025.
Indian non-governmental entities, including startups, SMEs, and established companies, are eligible to apply for the SBaaS initiative. Applicants must demonstrate technical expertise in designing modular satellite bus systems. The Announcement of Opportunity (AO) document, available on the IN-SPACe Digital Platform, outlines the application process, technical requirements, and evaluation criteria. Eligible NGEs can register on the platform to submit their proposals in the prescribed format.
Broader Context: India’s Growing Space Economy
Key Points:
- IN-SPACe’s Formation: Established in 2020 to promote private sector participation.
- Recent Achievements: ISRO’s launch of a US communications satellite in January 2025.
- Future Plans: India aims to launch 100–150 satellites in the next three years.
- Global Competitiveness: SBaaS positions India to compete in the global small satellite market.
The SBaaS initiative builds on India’s recent advancements in the space sector. Since IN-SPACe was formed in June 2020, it has played a pivotal role in opening up the space industry to private players. Notable milestones include ISRO’s launch of an American communications satellite in January 2025, marking a historic collaboration, and plans to launch 100–150 satellites over the next three years to enhance safety and security. The SBaaS program positions India to compete in the rapidly growing global small satellite market, driven by demand for communication, earth observation, and scientific missions.
