India’s private sector to enjoy space-based services

India's private sector will be allowed to use Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facilities and other relevant assets to improve their capacities, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Atomic Energy and Space Jitendra Singh has said.

"Private companies will be provided a level-playing field in satellites, launches and space -based services and future projects for planetary exploration and outer space travel will be open for private sector," he said last night while briefing the media on India's achievement in the field of space technology during the first year of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term in government.

Singh said Modi's call for self-reliance envisages the initiative to boost private participation in space activities.

"Indian private sector will be a co-traveller in India's space segment's journey," he said.

Updating about India's first-ever human space mission 'Gaganyaan' to be undertaken by ISRO, Singh said the selection of astronauts was done and their training in Russia had also started, but it got interrupted because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The project would be followed up soon, he added.

During the corona pandemic, ISRO scientists have been engaged in search of the best methods to provide essential medical devices, protective kits and other equipment, Singh added.