By Aritra Banerjee
Technological developments have, and continue to open up the realm of space to an extent previously unimaginable. The country is looking to make its mark in this dynamic arena, and emerging from the colossal shadow cast by the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is a vibrant ecosystem of private space start-ups. This field, which is now beginning to flourish, promises a new era of innovation and discovery in the Indian space industry.
Private Enterprises In Indian Space Exploration
The launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission, the Chandrayaan-2 mission to the moon, and the ambitious Gaganyaan crewed mission are a testament to India’s technological prowess and ambition. The impressive strides the nation has made in the space sector are primarily via the tireless efforts of ISRO.
However, the winds of change are stirring as the private sector emerges as a major player in the space industry.
Various factors fuel this transformation, including strategic policy reforms, an upsurge in technological capabilities, and the creation of fertile ground for the growth of private space enterprises. As they embark on their own cosmic journeys, these companies are not only reshaping the Indian space industry but also changing the global space technology landscape.
The Dawn of a New Age: Technological Breakthroughs By Private Space Companies
Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based start-up, has etched its name in the annals of Indian space history. In November 2022, the company made an indelible mark by successfully launching its in-house built Vikram-S rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, the first such endeavour by a private company from a government facility.
Beyond the symbolism, the launch represented an exciting new phase of technological innovation in India’s space industry. The Vikram-S rocket was fitted with advanced features like carbon composite structures and 3D-printed parts, underscoring a bold leap forward in space exploration and satellite deployment.
Meanwhile, Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based start-up, is rewriting the rules of rocket science. The company successfully test-fired the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine, Agnilet, marking a significant milestone for the Indian space sector. This accomplishment is an undeniable testament to the maturing and growing global competitiveness of the Indian space industry.
In significance, ISRO’s 56th flight to space is not to be left behind. It carried three nano-satellites built by Indian start-ups: a hyperspectral imaging satellite from Bengaluru-based Pixxel and two amateur radio communication nano-satellites from Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space. The event symbolised the rapid progression and substantial contributions of these private companies to the expansion and diversification of India’s space industry.
Fuelling the Rocket: Government Initiatives & Policy Reforms
Government policy reforms and initiatives have been pivotal in fostering this private space ecosystem. The announcement of the National Digital Communications Policy in 2018 marked the beginning of a comprehensive review of the regulatory landscape. This initiative led to the development of policies designed to enhance various facets of the space sector.
A cornerstone of these reforms was the establishment of NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL) as the commercial arm of ISRO. The move heralded a new era of robust public-private partnerships in the space sector, with NSIL operating on a payment basis, moving away from complete dependence on government funding.
In April 2023, the Indian government unveiled the landmark Indian Space Policy. This policy aims to stimulate equitable growth and global competitiveness within the country’s space sector, with a focus on the peaceful exploration of outer space and fostering a robust commercial space industry.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) was formed as a part of this initiative, too. Aimed at promoting, guiding, and authorising space activities in India, its creation is indicative of the government’s commitment to ensuring that the private sector plays a crucial role in India’s space industry, thereby facilitating ease of doing business and encouraging non-governmental entities (NGEs) to participate in space activities.
Market Expansion & Growth Opportunities
The Indian space sector, currently valued at $8.94 billion, has immense growth potential. With the implementation of the right policy reforms and strategic investments, experts project that the nation’s space economy could soar to a staggering $50 billion by 2025, commanding a 10% share of the global space economy.
Furthermore, with an estimated two lakh satellites set to launch in the coming years, India’s private space companies have a vast, untapped market at their disposal. They are eager to seize this opportunity and extend their reach in fields such as satellite deployment, communication technologies, remote sensing, and other space-based services.
Beyond The Stratosphere: India’s Ascent In The Global Space-Tech Economy
Technological advancements, policy reforms, and a vision for growth are powering India’s ascent in the global space-tech economy. Amidst this transformation, Bengaluru-based firms such as Bellatrix Aerospace, Digantara, and TSC Technologies are carving out a niche for themselves. From revolutionising spacecraft propulsion systems to launching the world’s first space-based active orbital surveillance platform, these companies are leaving significant imprints on the global space economy.
India’s private space companies stand at the forefront of exploring new horizons and redefining the boundaries of space exploration, innovation, and commercialisation.
The country’s ascent in space exploration is bound to propel the world into a new era of space technology, offering limitless possibilities and redefining our understanding of the final frontier. In the grand narrative of human history, India’s burgeoning space start-up ecosystem is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of space exploration.
Aritra Banerjee is a Senior Correspondent at IADB
