India Hosts ISO International Subcommittee Meetings on ‘Space Systems and Operations’ for the First Time

Ř  Bureau of Indian Standards Brings Together International Experts to Shape Future of Space Safety, Operations and Sustainability

Ř  131 international delegates from 13 countries participated in the event.

Ř  Focus on Standards for Entire lifecycle of Space Systems including Mission Safety, Interoperability and Debris mitigation

35th Plenary and Working Groups Meetings of ISO TC 20/SC 14

1.    India hosted major international space standards meeting
Bureau of Indian Standards hosted the 35th Plenary and Working Groups meetings of ISO TC 20/SC 14 on “Space Systems and Operations” in New Delhi.

2.    Meeting focused on global space systems standards
The subcommittee operates under the International Organization for Standardization and develops standards for space systems and operations.

3.    Event held at Bharat Mandapam
The opening plenary session took place at Bharat Mandapam.

4.    India highlighted growing role in global space governance
Nidhi Khare said India is emerging as a major global space hub due to reforms and international collaboration.

5.    IN-SPACe reforms emphasized
The government credited Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center for enabling greater private-sector participation in India’s space sector.

6.    Standards seen as key to safe and sustainable space activity
Speakers stressed that internationally harmonized standards are necessary to ensure:

o    safety,

o    sustainability,

o    interoperability,

o    and inclusiveness in space activities.

7.    BIS highlighted alignment with international frameworks
Sanjay Garg said BIS is aligning Indian standards with global standards to strengthen competitiveness of India’s space industry.

8.    Indian participation in standard-setting increased
Hosting the meeting allows Indian experts to directly engage in global standards formulation processes.

9.    IN-SPACe Chairman stressed role of standards in innovation
Pawan Goenka said robust standards build industry confidence and support integration into the global space economy.

10.  Large international participation recorded
The meeting included:

·         131 international delegates,

·         representatives from 13 countries,

·         national standards bodies,

·         space agencies,

·         industry,

·         and academia.

11.  ISRO participated in the event
Indian Space Research Organisation was among the participating international space agencies.

12.  Global experts and standards leaders attended
Key participants included:

·         Frederick Slane,

·         Rajeev Jyoti,

·         and senior BIS officials.

13.  ISO TC 20/SC 14 covers full space mission lifecycle
The subcommittee develops standards related to:

·         design,

·         production,

·         launch,

·         operations,

·         and space-based services.

14.  India’s growing global space profile highlighted
Hosting the event reflects India’s expanding influence in the global space sector due to:

·         Indian Space Research Organisation achievements,

·         private-sector growth,

·         and policy reforms.

15.  Emerging focus areas discussed
India is actively contributing to international standards in:

·         space sustainability,

·         space debris mitigation,

·         and mission operations.

 

[ABS News Service/08.05.2026]

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India, organised the 35th Plenary and Working Groups meetings of the ISO TC 20 / SC 14 ‘Space Systems and Operations’ subcommittee of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) at New Delhi.

Speaking at the Opening Plenary at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Ms. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, highlighted the importance of global collaboration in advancing standards and India’s growing role in shaping the international space standards ecosystem. She said - "It is a matter of immense pride for India to host this meeting as we stand at the forefront of global space transformation. Through significant reforms and the creation of IN-SPACe, the Government of India has laid the foundation for an emerging space hub where startups and established industries alike can thrive. Standards developed by such global collaboration and expertise will help in making space safe, sustainable and inclusive for humanity.

On this occasion, Sanjay Garg, Director General, Bureau of Indian Standards, highlighted the important role of standardisation in ensuring quality, safety, and global competitiveness in India’s growing space sector. He said that BIS is working to align Indian standards with international frameworks to support the changing needs of the space industry. Emphasising the rapid transformation of India’s space sector, he noted that BIS standards are helping the private sector become globally competitive. He also said that hosting the meeting in India is important because it gives Indian experts an opportunity to directly participate in the standardisation process, thereby strengthening both the national ecosystem and global standardisation efforts.

Dr. Pawan Goenka (Chairman, IN-SPACe) underscored the transformative growth of India’s space ecosystem, driven by policy reforms and private sector participation, and stressed the importance of robust standards in enabling innovation, fostering industry confidence, and facilitating India’s integration into the global space economy.

The event witnessed participation of 131 international delegates from 13 countries representing National Standards Bodies, experts from International Space Agencies including ISRO from India, Space Industry, and Academia.

The Inaugural Session was graced by Ms. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Govt. of India; Sanjay Garg, Director General, BIS; Dr. Pawan Goenka (Chairman, IN-SPACe); Ms. Reena Garg, Deputy Director General (Standardisation), BIS; Mr. Frederick Slane (Chairperson, ISO TC 20 / SC 14) and Mr. Rajeev Jyoti (Chairperson, National Mirror Committee BIS TED 14 on Air and Space Vehicles).

ISO/TC 20/SC 14 develops international standards for the entire lifecycle of space systems from design and production to launch, operations, and space-based services, ensuring safety, interoperability, and sustainability in global space activities. India hosting this key international meeting highlights its rising position in the global space sector, driven by the achievements of ISRO and growing private sector participation enabled through reforms under IN-SPACe. The meeting also reflects India’s active role in shaping global standards in emerging areas such as space sustainability, debris mitigation, and mission operations.