Opening the doors to private players in ICMR and ISRO may help in capacity building, but regulating their work through bureaucrats toeing the line of political masters raises disturbing questions
IN-SPACe has granted 113 authorisations to 52 non-government entities, including 18 start-ups, for space activities, Parliament was informed. India has around 440 space technology start-ups, while cumulative investments in the sector reached approximately USD 618.5 million by March 2026
If the premier space agency is to retain its best talent, it must modernise career pathways, reward innovation and foster a more attractive and empowering workplace
Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched its maiden orbital rocket Vikram-1, placing multiple technology demonstration payloads and commemorative postcards into low Earth orbit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the mission as a defining milestone for India's private space sector
Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh hailed Skyroot Aerospace's successful Vikram-1 launch as a historic achievement, saying it reflects the success of India's space reforms and the decision to open the space sector to private companies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership
India’s first privately built national earth observation satellite constellation will be launched from 2026 by a Pixxel-led startup consortium. The 12-satellite project, backed by IN-SPACe, will deliver high-resolution data for government and global commercial use
