New Delhi, August 13: India’s space sector is witnessing rapid expansion, with increasing participation from private companies and startups. The central government informed Parliament on Thursday that approximately 440 space technology startups are currently registered in the country. Indian private space firms are expected to launch more than eight commercial rockets over the next two years, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s emerging space industry.
In a written response in the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, stated that around 440 startups related to space technology are registered on the Startup India portal managed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This number reflects the growing innovation and private investment in the space sector.
The minister noted that IN-SPACe, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center, has granted 113 authorizations for various space activities to 52 non-governmental entities (NGEs), including 18 startups recognized as leaders in India’s expanding private space ecosystem.
Notable startups include Agnikul Cosmos, Bellatrix Aerospace, Dhruva Space, Digantara Research and Technologies, Galaxy Space Solutions, Manastu Space Technologies, Pixel Space India, Skyroot Aerospace, and Space Kidz India. Other approved entities are Akshat Aerospace, Ajista BST, Cosmoserve Space India, Hex20 Labs India, InOrbit Space Telecommunications, Nspace Tech India, OrbitAd Aerospace, Pearsite Space, and TechMe2Space Technologies.
The government stated that applications for utilizing the infrastructure of ISRO, particularly the launch pads at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, are approved under established standard operating procedures (SOPs). Applications received through IN-SPACe’s digital platform are evaluated by an expert committee based on technical and operational readiness.
Regarding private sector rocket launch activities, Dr. Jitendra Singh mentioned that two private rocket launches are proposed for the fiscal year 2026-27. The launch schedule for the fiscal year 2027-28 is still awaiting final approval, but it is anticipated that more than six rockets will be launched by Indian private companies that year.
This announcement comes at a time when India has significantly opened its space sector to private participation. In recent years, startups and private firms have become increasingly active in satellite manufacturing, launch services, space data analysis, Earth observation, and space-based communication services.
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