Pawan Goenka to be appointed as chairperson of IN-SPACe

The Government of India (GOI) has proposed the name of Pawan Goenka, former Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, as the chairperson of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe).

On September 7, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued an executive order to this effect. “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal for appointment of Chairperson and Members of the Board of IN-SPACe on terms and conditions to be finalized by the Department with the approval of the competent authority. Necessary communication in this regard has been sent to the Department of Space,” said the order. The DoPT reports directly to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The announcement to launch IN-SPACe under the Department of Space was made in June 2020 to serve as the bridge between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and other government agencies and the private sector to develop a commercially viable and vibrant space ecosystem in India. Its mandate is to regulate and promote the building of routine satellites, rockets, and commercial launch services through Indian companies.

The appointment of Goenka, who is a seasoned technocrat, to helm IN-SPACe is an indication of GOI’s seriousness of intent towards the commercialization of the Space sector and economy and sends a positive message to the industry.

Since Space technology plays a critical role in national development and security, it’s important to strengthen the national Space infrastructure, while creating a conducive environment for greater participation of the private sector.

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