IN-SPACe issues authorisation framework for hosted payloads on Indian and foreign satellites

Key facts

• Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) issued guidelines dated September 17, 2026, under the Indian Space Policy-2023 for hosted payloads, requiring authorisation for Indian payloads on foreign satellites while exempting foreign payload owners on Indian satellites from separate authorisation.
• The framework recognises a 'Satellite as a Service' model, allowing Indian entities to offer satellite capacity to domestic or overseas customers by providing the bus and associated systems, with or without ITU filings, ground stations or payload operations support, and such satellites may be considered for the National Registry of Space Objects.
• Guidelines cover payloads on Indian or foreign satellites and on orbital stages like the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), with uses including remote sensing, communications, science, meteorology, navigation, technology demonstrations, in-orbit experiments and space situational awareness.
• For Indian payloads on foreign satellites, the owner retains absolute decision-making powers over operations, while the foreign host bears all liability risks and must indemnify the owner and the Government of India.
• For foreign payloads on Indian satellites, the Indian host must disclose the payload while seeking authorisation, the foreign owner must hold approvals from its own administration and indemnify the host and government, and the host must be able to switch off the payload or cease emissions if directed by IN-SPACe or the government for reasons including national security or radio-frequency interference.
• For foreign payloads capturing data over Indian territory, the Indian host must seek IN-SPACe authorisation and maintain records of such data for at least six months, including area captured in .kml format, orbit row and path number, and date and time of capture.
• Applications require disclosures on ownership and control, foreign investment, financial credentials, security clearances, payload specifications, ITU filings and operational arrangements, plus a safety report on any hazardous or radioactive material.
• Authorisation ends with the host agreement or the host satellite's operational life, whichever is earlier.