NewSpace India Limited
Also called: NSIL · Topic: Industrial Policy, Public Sector, MSMEs and Disinvestment · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is the commercial arm of ISRO. It is a central public sector enterprise (CPSE), which means a company the government owns and controls, and it works under the Department of Space. NSIL does two jobs. It passes ISRO's technology to Indian industry through Technology Transfer Agreements. It also sells launch services and satellite services to customers. Under the Indian Space Policy 2023, the roles are split: ISRO does research, NSIL handles commercial work, and IN-SPACe authorises private firms. This split helps private firms enter the space sector and supports India's target of a US$44 billion space economy by 2033.
Example
Say a private firm wants to make a part that ISRO designed. It signs a Technology Transfer Agreement through NSIL and gets the know-how. ISRO can then spend its time on new research. By 31 January 2026, IN-SPACe had facilitated 71 such transfers of ISRO technology.
Don't confuse with
- IN-SPACe: This is the single-window body that facilitates private space activity and gives it permission. It does not sell launches or services. NSIL is the government company that does the selling.
- ISRO: This is the research and development agency that builds rockets and satellites. NSIL turns ISRO's work into business deals.