India’s private space sector continues to expand, with around 440 space technology startups now registered on the DPIIT Start-up India Portal. Government data also shows growing participation from private companies in satellite operations, payload development and launch services.
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has granted 113 authorisations to 52 Non-Government Entities (NGEs) for various space activities. Of these, 18 are startups, Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
The 18 authorised startups are Agnikul Cosmos, Akshath Aerospace, Azista BST, Bellatrix Aerospace, Cosmoserv Space India, Dhruva Space, Digantara Research and Technologies, GalaxEye Space Solutions, HEX20Labs India, Inorbit Space Telecommunications, Manastu Space Technologies, NSpace Tech India, OrbitAID Aerospace, PierSight Space, PixxelSpace India, Skyroot Aerospace, Space Kidz India and TakeMe2Space Technologies.
Applications to use ISRO infrastructure, including launch pads at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, are processed through IN-SPACe’s Digital Platform under a standard SOP. An Expert Committee reviews readiness before access is approved.
Private launches and investment rise
2 commercial rockets are proposed to be launched by private companies in FY 2026-27. The FY 2027-28 launch manifest is yet to be approved by IN-SPACe, but more than 6 launches could be undertaken by private companies.
Private investment in India’s space sector has also increased sharply. It rose nearly 6x from $100.5 million in FY 2021-22 to $618.5 million by March 31, 2026. Investment during 2026 alone stood at $187 million.
The Union Cabinet approved opening the space sector to private participation in June 2020. IN-SPACe was subsequently established as an independent, single-window agency under the Department of Space to support private sector participation.
By mid-2026, 113 authorisations had been granted to 52 NGEs, including 18 startups, covering activities such as satellite operations, payload development and launch services.
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