ISRO chief K Sivan gets extension till January 2022, ensures continuity in opening up space sector

The government on Wednesday extended the tenure of K Sivan, chairman of Space Commission by a year to January 2022, a move that will ensure continuity of opening up the space sector to the private sector and startups. The appointments committee of the cabinet approved the extension, according to a note.

Sivan, who took over in January 2018, has led the space agency's move to allow private firms and startups to build rockets and satellites and operate them for customers. Indian Space Research Organisation will focus on research and development, deep space missions and the human spaceflight, while shifting the operational remote sensing and communication satellites, besides the rockets to New Space India Ltd, a state-run commercial entity.

The regulatory body Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (In-Space) is being formed to provide a level playing field to the industry.