Correct Option
The correct option is 1 and 2 only.
[as per provisional answerkey]
Explanation
The Indian space sector has undergone significant structural reforms to transition from a government-led model to one that encourages private participation through the creation of regulatory bodies and the promotion of space-tech startups.
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) was established as a single-window, autonomous nodal agency under the Department of Space. Its primary mandate is to promote, authorize, and supervise the activities of Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in the space sector, ensuring they can utilize ISRO's facilities and participate in end-to-end space activities.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Agnikul Cosmos, an Indian space startup, successfully launched 'Agnibaan SOrTeD' (Sub-Orbital Technological Demonstrator). This mission featured the Agnilet engine, which is recognized as the world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine to be designed and flown.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Skyroot Aerospace is known for developing the 'Vikram' series of launch vehicles. While they have successfully launched Vikram-S (India's first privately developed rocket), they have not developed liquid fuel for the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). The GSLV is a heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO, utilizing solid, liquid (Vikas engine), and cryogenic stages developed indigenously by the national space agency.
Key Takeaway: IN-SPACe acts as the regulatory interface for private players, while startups like Agnikul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace are leading private innovation in propulsion and launch vehicle technology independently of ISRO's legacy GSLV fuel systems.