Astrome, Azista & Dhruva chosen under IN-SPACe’s SBaaS Initiative

BENGALURU: India’s Space regulator-cum-promoter the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) Wednesday formally announced that it has selected Bengaluru-based Astrome Technologies, Hyderabad’s Azista Industries and Dhruva Space to to develop indigenous small satellite bus platforms under its Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative.

TOI was the first to report in Jan that IN-SPACe had shortlisted three Indian companies under the initiative and that a formal announcement about which is expected soon.

“The programme aims to create standard platforms that can host multiple payloads for domestic and global customers. Astrome, Azista, and Dhruva were chosen after a multi-stage evaluation of 15 proposals received till July 2025. Each firm will receive a grant of Rs 5 crore to design and demonstrate a modular satellite bus that can support a range of missions,” IN-SPACe said in a statement.

The regulator said the platforms would provide a cost-effective option for payload developers and help Indian industry enter the expanding hosted payload market. Contract agreements with the three companies were signed on Feb 11, marking the start of implementation.

IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Goenka, said the initiative would strengthen the country’s manufacturing base. “By enabling indigenous satellite bus platforms and linking them with India’s small satellite launch capabilities, we are laying the foundation for India to become a preferred global destination for end-to-end small satellite manufacturing, launch and hosted payload services,” he said.

Rajeev Jyoti, director (technical), IN-SPACe, said: “Standardised platforms would reduce barriers for new entrants. The SBaaS initiative is a key enabler for development and manufacturing of indigenous small satellite bus platforms. It will support payload developers while reinforcing India’s position in the global hosted payload services market.”

The agency will support the firms through milestone-linked grants and provide access to Isro and Department of Space facilities for testing and technical guidance. Later phases are expected to include actual hosted payload missions using the new buses.

IN-SPACe said the programme adds to its public-private partnership efforts. It recently signed a concession agreement with Allied Orbits for an Earth observation constellation to build a commercial ecosystem in the sector.

Formed in June 2020 after the govt opened the space sector to private participation, IN-SPACe functions as a single-window nodal agency under the Department of Space. It authorises and supervises activities of non-government entities, including satellite and launch vehicle development, sharing of Isro infrastructure and creation of new space facilities.