India is hurtling toward cosmic leadership, boasting over 400 space startups and surpassing $500 million in funding. The Centre’s Parliamentary update on Wednesday captures this transformative wave in the nation’s aerospace landscape.
Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha of private milestones, like sub-orbital rocket launches by two firms in November 2022 and May 2024. The POEM platform has launched or scheduled 25 private payloads, empowering in-orbit testing.
Six NGOs launched 18 satellites jointly. PPP-driven Earth observation satellite clusters are underway, boosting trials and global repute. Twenty-five companies utilize these opportunities, with states offering incentives.
The 2016 Startup India scheme catalyzed growth, emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship. Key 2014-era startups: Pixxel’s hyperspectral Firefly satellites from Bengaluru, Dhruva Space, Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Bellatrix.
Anticipation builds for GalaxEye’s Mission Drishti, the first multi-sensor Earth observer. India’s space sector, blending policy support and private prowess, is primed for exponential expansion and international prominence.