Subject Reference: GS Paper III (Science & Technology - Space)
- The News (Dec 2025): IN-SPACe issued an RfP to set up seven Space Labs in universities across India. These labs will act as regional hubs where students and private startups can share high-end equipment.
- Apt Topic: "Democratization of Space Infrastructure"
- Phased Regionalism: The labs are distributed zone-wise (one per zone) to prevent the concentration of space tech in just South India (Bengaluru/Hyderabad).
- Funding Architecture: IN-SPACe provides 75% of the cost (up to ₹5 crore). This is a "Milestone-linked" funding model, a new trend in Indian governance to ensure accountability.
- Skill-Gap Bridge: As India's space economy aims for $44 billion by 2033, these labs provide the "hands-on" training that traditional theory-heavy engineering degrees lack.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
