New Delhi, September 6 (Daily Kiran) : The chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (In-Space), Pawan K. Goenka, clarified on Sunday that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will continue to play a pivotal role in India’s space endeavors. He emphasized that ISRO will remain the cornerstone of the country’s space initiatives, leading its most significant scientific and strategic missions.
In a message shared on the social media platform X, Goenka addressed misconceptions regarding ISRO’s future role circulating in some media outlets. He firmly stated that the reforms implemented in the space sector since 2020 are intended to expand the entire Indian space ecosystem, not diminish ISRO’s contributions.
Goenka elaborated that under the new framework, In-Space will encourage and authorize private sector participation, while New Space India Limited (NSIL) will focus on commercializing mature technologies and capabilities. He noted that in the future, the industry will take on the responsibility of large-scale manufacturing and production of rockets, satellites, and other space systems. Meanwhile, ISRO will concentrate on areas where its expertise is most critical, including advanced research and development, scientific missions, strategic programs, and the creation of complex infrastructure that the private sector cannot develop independently.
Goenka asserted that ISRO will lead India’s ambitious space programs in the coming years. He mentioned that the Indian space agency is working on projects such as establishing an Indian space station by 2035, realizing a crewed lunar mission by 2040, developing next-generation launch systems, and pursuing long-term exploration of the Moon and other planets.
He further clarified that India’s space program is not about a smaller ISRO but rather about creating a comprehensive space ecosystem where ISRO will push the boundaries of technology while private companies will commercialize these advancements.
Previously, Goenka had shared a significant goal for India’s space sector, aiming to develop the capability for 50 space launches annually by 2030. He believes this target is vital for transforming the rapidly growing private space sector into a fully developed commercial ecosystem.
In a post on X, he noted that five years ago, India opened its space sector to private companies, allowing ISRO to explore new technological frontiers while enabling the private industry to expand its business and production capabilities. He highlighted positive progress on both fronts.
According to Goenka, the number of space-related startups in the country has surged from just one in 2014 to over 450 today. Indian private firms are no longer limited to developing prototypes; they are achieving significant milestones in areas such as space launches and satellite manufacturing.
He pointed out that a private Indian company has already successfully placed a rocket into orbit, indicating that the country’s private space industry is advancing beyond its initial stages and preparing for global competition.
Government statistics reveal that by August 2026, the number of registered space startups in India had reached approximately 440, a remarkable increase from just one in 2014. Currently, India’s space economy is valued at about $9 billion, with projections estimating it could grow to between $40 billion and $45 billion over the next decade.
There has also been a notable rise in private investment. In the fiscal year 2021-22, approximately $100.5 million was invested in the sector, which surged to $618.5 million by March 2026.
Goenka emphasized that the biggest challenge now facing India is to transform this momentum into large-scale expansion. He stated that private industries must move beyond individual projects to develop robust manufacturing capabilities.
He concluded by saying, “Private industry must convert this momentum into large-scale production. More rockets, more satellites, greater launch capacity, and the development of new technologies will lead India towards global leadership in the space sector.”
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