Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hosted the 35th Plenary and Working Group meetings of ISO TC 20 SC 14 in New Delhi.
This marks the first time India has hosted the prestigious international subcommittee meetings focused on “Space Systems and Operations” under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
The event was organised at Bharat Mandapam.
Global Participation from 13 Countries
The event witnessed participation from 131 international delegates representing 13 countries.
Participants included:
- National Standards Bodies
- International space agencies
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) experts
- Space industry representatives
- Academic institutions
The meeting brought together global experts to discuss standards related to safety, sustainability, interoperability, and operations in the rapidly evolving space sector.
Focus on Entire Lifecycle of Space Systems
ISO TC 20 / SC 14 develops international standards covering the complete lifecycle of space systems, including:
- Design and manufacturing
- Launch operations
- Mission management
- Space-based services
- Safety protocols
- Space debris mitigation
The standards aim to ensure global interoperability, operational safety, and sustainability in outer space activities.
India Highlights Growing Role in Global Space Ecosystem
- Nidhi Khare highlighted India’s increasing role in shaping the international space standards ecosystem.
- India is emerging as a major global space hub due to recent reforms and the establishment of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe).
- International standards developed through global cooperation will help make space activities safer, more sustainable, and more inclusive for humanity.
BIS Emphasizes Standardisation for Space Sector Growth
- The importance of standardisation in improving Quality assurance, Safety standards, Global competitiveness in India’s rapidly growing space industry.
- BIS is actively working to align Indian standards with international frameworks to support the evolving needs of the space sector.
- Hosting the meeting in India provides Indian experts with direct participation opportunities in global standard-setting processes.
IN-SPACe Highlights Growth of India’s Space Industry
- The transformation of India’s space ecosystem driven by policy reforms and private sector participation.
- Strong international standards are essential for Encouraging innovation, Building industry confidence and Integrating India into the global space economy.
- The meeting reflects India’s ambition to become a major player in commercial and scientific space activities.
Focus on Space Sustainability and Debris Mitigation
One of the key themes of the discussions was the growing importance of:
- Space sustainability
- Orbital debris mitigation
- Safe mission operations
- International interoperability
With increasing satellite launches and commercial space activities worldwide, global cooperation on standards is becoming critical to ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space operations.
Importance of ISO TC 20 / SC 14
- ISO TC 20 SC 14 is responsible for developing international standards related to space systems and operations.
- Its work supports the creation of globally accepted technical frameworks that improve coordination, safety, and compatibility among countries and private space companies.
About BIS:
- The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standards body, responsible for formulating, certifying, and enforcing quality standards across industries.
- Establishment: Founded in 1986, replacing the Indian Standards Institution (ISI).
- Parent Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
- Leadership: Director General – Pramod Kumar Tiwari (as of 2026).
- Motto: “Quality, Safety, Reliability.”
About ISO:
- The ISO is a global, non-governmental body that develops and publishes international standards to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency across industries.
- Founded: 23 February 1947.
- Headquarters: Vernier, near Geneva, Switzerland.
- Members: 170 national standards bodies (e.g., BIS in India).
- Languages: English, French, Russian.
- Name Origin: Derived from Greek word isos (equal), ensuring a universal acronym across languages.
- President: Sung Hwan Cho (as of 2026).
India’s Rising Global Space Presence
- India hosting the ISO meetings reflects its growing importance in the global space sector, supported by Achievements of ISRO, Expansion of private space startups, Policy reforms under IN-SPACe, Increasing international collaboration.
- The event also highlights India’s active role in shaping future global standards in emerging space technologies and sustainable space operations.