Question
Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India’s space programme:
1. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities.
2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world’s first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine.
3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV.
Explanation
India’s space sector has increasingly opened up to private participation, with IN-SPACe facilitating this transition and startups developing their own launch technologies.
Statement 1 — Correct: IN-SPACe was established in 2020 as an autonomous, single-window agency under the Department of Space. It promotes and authorises private participation in the space sector and acts as a link between ISRO and private space companies.
Statement 2 — Correct: In May 2024, Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos launched its Agnibaan SOrTeD suborbital rocket from its private launchpad at Sriharikota. The mission demonstrated the world’s first flight powered by a single-piece, fully 3D-printed rocket engine, called Agnilet.
Statement 3 — Incorrect: Skyroot Aerospace develops its own Vikram series of launch vehicles and engines. It does not develop engines or fuel for the GSLV, which is an ISRO-developed launch vehicle whose propulsion systems are developed within the ISRO ecosystem.
Therefore, Statements 1 and 2 are correct.