In March 2023, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with New Space India Limited (NSIL) for the procurement of an advanced Communication Satellite, GSAT 7B at an overall cost of Rs 2,963 crore. The geostationary satellite will be developed indigenously by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and will considerably enhance the communication capability of the Indian Army. This project comes under the Buy {Indian – IDDM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)} category, which boosts Atmanirbharata in Defence.
Establishment of New Space India Limited (NSIL)
In March 2019, the Government of India (GoI) established NSIL, a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the administrative control of the Department of Space (DoS). NSIL was set up to commercially exploit the research and development work of ISRO centres and constituent units of DoS, and to meet the ever-increasing demands of the Indian space programme.
Functions of NSIL
NSIL has been mandated to carry out several roles and functions as a part of its mandate, which are as follows:
Building launch vehicles through Indian Industry – NSIL is the nodal agency for carrying out PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) productionisation through Indian Industry, and it is responsible for manufacturing SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) through Indian Industry partners.
Launch Services – NSIL provides launch services to global satellite customers on board SSLV, PSLV, GSLV (Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle) and GSLV MkIII (Mark III) launchers.
Transfer of Technologies – NSIL has been mandated to transfer the technologies developed by DoS/ISRO so that the benefits of the space programme are transferred to Indian industries, contributing towards technological self-reliance and national development.
Building of satellites meant for earth observation, communication and providing in-orbit delivery services for customers.
NSIL’s LMV3 Mission
NSIL has signed two launch service contracts with UK-based Network Access Associated Limited (OneWeb) for launching OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) broadband communication satellites (72 satellites) on board ISRO’s LVM 3 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3, previously known as GSLV-Mk III).
On 23 October 2022, ISRO’s LVM-3 launched 36 satellites of OneWeb, and in its second commercial launch on March 26, 2023, placed 36 OneWeb satellites in orbit. This contract with OneWeb is a historic milestone for NSIL and ISRO as LMV3 made entry into the global commercial launch service market.
Significance of NSIL
The functions of NSIL and its mission are relevant for topics such as space technology, commercial exploitation of space, and technological self-reliance. Understanding NSIL’s role in building launch vehicles, providing launch services, and transferring technologies developed by DoS/ISRO to Indian industries are important for aspirants appearing for the civil services exam. Additionally, the mission of NSIL to launch OneWeb satellites on board ISRO’s LVM 3 has a significant impact on India’s space programme and its contribution towards global commercial launch services.
Why In News
The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with NSIL to buy an advanced communication satellite for Rs 2,963 cr, boosting Atmanirbharata in Defence. The indigenously designed GSAT 7B will enhance communication capability for the Indian Army
MCQs about New Space India Limited (NSIL)
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What is the role of NSIL in the Indian space program?
A. To commercially exploit the research and development work of ISRO
B. To carry out PSLV productionisation through Indian Industry
C. To provide launch services to global satellite customers
D. To develop and manufacture advanced communication satellites
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What is the function of the GSAT 7B satellite?
A. To enhance the communication capability of the Indian Army
B. To provide launch services to global satellite customers
C. To transfer technologies developed by DoS/ISRO to Indian industries
D. To manufacture SSLV through Indian Industry partners
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What is NSIL’s LMV3 mission?
A. To develop and manufacture advanced communication satellites
B. To transfer technologies developed by DoS/ISRO to Indian industries
C. To provide launch services to global satellite customers
D. To manufacture SSLV through Indian Industry partners
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What is the significance of the contract between NSIL and OneWeb?
A. It marks NSIL’s entry into the global commercial launch service market
B. It enables NSIL to manufacture SSLV through Indian Industry partners
C. It enhances the communication capability of the Indian Army
D. It transfers technologies developed by DoS/ISRO to Indian industries
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