IN-SPACe mandates authorisation for all Indian owned hosted payloads

UPDATE - follow-up to What are the new guidelines set by IN-SPACe for Indian and foreign hosted-payloads? | Explained: IN-SPACe has mandated that any hosted‑payload owned by an Indian entity must obtain authorisation, whether the payload rides on an Indian satellite or a foreign one. The rule comes from a document titled “Norms, Guidelines and Procedures for implementation of the Indian Space Policy 2023 in respect of authorisation for establishment and operation of hosted‑payloads”, released on 17 September 2026. IN‑SPACe, the single‑window agency for private space activities, issued the guidance as private participants, termed Non‑Government Indian Entities (NGEs), have grown in number. NGEs have been building and launching payloads for Earth observation, space science, communications, technology demonstration and other space‑based applications. The guidelines aim to let Indian companies use hosted‑payload opportunities while meeting technical, safety, security, spectrum, orbital and other regulatory requirements. ## Context The document translates the Indian Space Policy 2023 into practical rules for hosted payloads. It reflects the surge in private sector involvement in India’s space sector. By requiring authorisation, the policy seeks to safeguard national security and ensure orderly use of orbital slots and frequencies.