The Indian government is keen on promoting private sector in the sphere of space. Talking a step towards achieving this, the Department of Space (DoS) and Chennai-based startup Agnikul Cosmos has entered into a non-disclosure agreement that will allow it to access the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) facilities and technical expertise to build its rocket.

According to DoS, this is the first agreement to be signed after the establishment of IN-SPACe, the authorization and regulatory body for enabling private players to undertake space activities in India.

Under the NDA, the National Centre for Combustion Research & Development, IIT Madras, located company Agnikul will be provided access to the facilities and technical expertise available in ISRO centres to proceed with their launch vehicle development program.

The NDA was signed in the presence of Space Secretary and ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Sivan and IIT Madras Director Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi.

R. Umamaheswaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO, was the signatory on behalf of Department of Space for the NDA and Agnikul Cosmos CEO Srinath Ravichandran on behalf of the company.

The ISRO officials assured all support to Agnikul Cosmos for testing and qualifying its rocket.