BIS hosts global meet on Space Systems Standards in Delhi

Current Context: On May 4–8, 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hosted the 35th Plenary and Working Groups meetings of ISO TC 20/SC 14 ‘Space Systems and Operations’ at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

• This was the first time India hosted this ISO subcommittee plenary, marking its rising role in global space governance and standardisation.
• The meet brought together 131 delegates from 13 countries (some reports mention up to 19), including ISRO, national standards bodies, industry, and academia.
• It was chaired by BIS Director General Sanjay Garg, with support from IN-SPACe.
• The aim was to align Indian standards with global ones, boosting competitiveness and safety of India’s private space sector.
• Highlights included discussions on space debris mitigation, orbital safety, interoperability, sustainability, and quality/safety frameworks, plus an International Workshop on May 7.
• Hosting the event gave Indian experts direct influence in shaping future international space standards.

Question:

Q.1 The 35th Plenary and Working Groups meetings of ISO TC 20/SC 14 ‘Space Systems and Operations’ were hosted by:
a) ISRO
b) IN-SPACe
c) Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
d) Ministry of External Affairs

Answer: c) On May 4–8, 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hosted the 35th Plenary and Working Groups meetings of ISO TC 20/SC 14 ‘Space Systems and Operations’ at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.