The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has for the first time tested two satellites by Indian startups—Space Kidz India and Pixxel (incorporated as Sygyzy at the UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.
- This is a first for the ISRO, which so far has only taken help in manufacturing and fabrication of various parts of satellites and rockets from the Indian industry.
- ISRO helped these two companies fix problems with the solar panels on their respective satellites.
- Earlier ISRO had only provided launch facilities to private firms at a cost.
- The Centre has set up an independent body, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to oversee the space activity of the private sector and also to handhold and share facilities of ISRO. The decision of the body would be binding on ISRO as well.
