Centre plans single-window clearance for space sector

The Indian government is considering introducing a single-window clearance system for the space sector to simplify approvals and reduce delays, ET reports. The National Single Window System (NSWS) may be expanded to include space-sector clearances. A framework has been discussed and agreed in principle by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and the space regulator IN-SPACe.

Currently, space-based businesses, including foreign players like Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Jio Satellite, require inter-ministerial approval from multiple agencies for security clearance. Officials told ET that getting approvals from different ministries is time-consuming and often repetitive. A single-window platform would make tracking applications easier.

The government had earlier sought industry suggestions for improving ease of doing business. The industry highlighted cumbersome regulatory processes and long approval timelines, with a single-window platform being a key demand. Initially, IN-SPACe approvals will be integrated into the system, with other ministries to be added later.