NSIL Boosts India’s Space Infrastructure by Partnering with Private Sector for Ground Station Network

India is taking a bold step toward expanding its space communication capabilities. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, has announced an ambitious initiative to involve private players in building a state-of-the-art ground station network across the country. This marks a strategic move to enhance satellite communication, tracking, and data relay services for the growing number of Indian and international low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

A Network of 25 Advanced Antennas

The proposed network will feature around 25 high-performance ground stations, equipped with dual-band and tri-band antennas. These will operate in S, X, and Ka frequency bands, ensuring robust support for telemetry, tracking, and command (TTC) operations, as well as satellite data downloads. These antennas will be designed with shaped reflector Cassegrain geometry and full motion systems, enabling precise and efficient satellite communication.

Each station will be capable of supporting multiple satellite passes per day, allowing uninterrupted support for real-time satellite operations such as remote sensing, earth observation, and weather monitoring.

Phased Implementation Plan

NSIL plans to implement the project in a phased manner. The first two antenna systems are expected to be ready within 12 months of awarding the contract. The entire network is expected to be operational in about 20 months, providing a rapid boost to India’s satellite ground infrastructure.

Strict Eligibility for Private Participation

To ensure only capable firms take part, NSIL has set strict eligibility criteria for bidders. Companies must have:

• ISO-9001:2015 certification

• A proven track record in handling similar high-value space or telecom infrastructure projects

This ensures high-quality execution and long-term reliability of the critical infrastructure.

Supporting India’s Global Space Market Ambition

This initiative is closely aligned with India’s national goal of increasing its share in the global commercial space market from the current 2% to 8% by 2033. By engaging the private sector, NSIL aims to accelerate innovation, reduce costs, and improve efficiency in space ground operations.

Moreover, this project complements the government's broader push to commercialize space activities through bodies like IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center). IN-SPACe is also actively promoting Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS) — a model where satellite operators can rent ground station infrastructure on a pay-per-use basis for satellite control, data reception, and tracking services.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Private sector entry into ground station services comes with its own set of hurdles. These include:

• Unclear regulatory frameworks

• High capital costs

• Spectrum licensing challenges

• Expensive components and infrastructure

To overcome these, IN-SPACe is working to simplify regulatory procedures, provide technology transfer from ISRO, and offer access to testing and integration facilities. It is also helping startups connect with domestic and international markets to ensure commercial viability.

Enabling Indigenous Capability Through Technology Transfer

NSIL is already playing a major role in technology commercialization. It has transferred key technologies like the Indian Mini Satellite-1 (IMS-1) bus to private startups such as Dhruva Space and Alpha Design Technologies. These firms are now building satellite platforms and developing ground station systems, boosting India’s domestic capacity in both upstream and downstream space segments.

A Strategic Leap Forward

By bringing private players into the fold to build this advanced ground station network, NSIL is laying the foundation for a robust and self-reliant space ecosystem in India. This move not only strengthens the country's satellite communication backbone but also signals a new era of public-private partnership in space technology.

It is a visionary step that will help India maintain a strong presence in the global space race while empowering its private sector to play a larger role in the future of space exploration and commercialization.