The Indian space sector has made remarkable progress with the recent selection of Ananth Technologies Limited (ATL) as the recipient of the Announcement of Opportunity (AO) by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe). This milestone signifies a crucial advancement in the engagement of the private sector within India’s swiftly growing space industry.Through the AO framework, Ananth Technologies has gained authorization to utilize Indian Orbital Resources for the first time, allowing them to design and manage a Geostationary Orbit (GSO) communication satellite. This satellite will operate on the Ka-band frequency, which is vital for delivering high-throughput communication, thereby addressing the increasing demand for dependable and high-speed satellite communication in the country. This initiative aligns with India’s overarching strategy to promote private sector participation in space activities, as outlined in the Indian Space Policy 2023. In May 2024, IN-SPACe introduced the Norms, Guidelines, and Procedures (NGP) to support the implementation of this policy, facilitating the engagement of non-government entities (NGEs) in India’s space initiatives. The subsequent Announcement of Opportunity, which commenced on July 30, 2024, and concluded on October 21, 2024, established a definitive route for private enterprises like ATL to access essential orbital resources.
This announcement represents a pivotal advancement for the Indian space industry, positioning Ananth Technologies Limited as the inaugural private Indian satellite operator to deliver advanced GSO communication satellite services within the nation. With the backing of ISRO and the Department of Telecommunications, this initiative sets a new standard for private sector involvement in the development of SATCOM capabilities through domestically produced satellites. It signifies a crucial move towards realizing the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in the realm of satellite communication.This development signifies a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-sufficiency in space technology, resonating with the objectives of the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, which seeks to foster indigenous capabilities in vital sectors, including satellite communications. In light of this announcement, Ananth Technologies Limited has expressed gratitude for IN-SPACe’s role in facilitating private sector engagement in satellite operations. The company underscored that access to orbital resources will enable them to emerge as the first private satellite operator in India, reaffirming their dedication to enhancing domestic satellite communication capacity with a strong emphasis on creating satellites that are both “Made in India” and “launched from India.”
