In the wake of India's bold decision to liberalise its space sector in 2020, coupled with the recent approval of the Indian Space Policy, the private space industry in the country is experiencing an unprecedented boom, fuelled by the ambitions of numerous startups.
According to Deloitte consultancy, the number of Indian space startups has surged to 190, marking a twofold increase within just a year. The dynamic landscape of these ventures signifies a heralding of a new era — one defined by exploration, innovation, and the pursuit of space-related endeavours.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh recently announced that Indian space startups have successfully attracted over ₹1,000 crore in private investment since April of this year alone.
Singh highlighted the growth in the sector, noting that the number of space startups has soared to 1,080, a big leap from single-digit figures just a few years ago. In 2014, there was only one startup in the space sector, underscoring the phenomenal expansion and diversification in just a few years.
Here is a curated list of major Indian space startups that are set to revolutionise the industry in the coming years:
Pixxel
Founded by Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, Pixxel achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian company to launch a commercial satellite, named Shakuntala, into space. This feat was made possible through a collaboration with Elon Musk's SpaceX and its Falcon-9 rocket.
Headquartered in Bengaluru, Pixxel specialises in hyperspectral satellite technology, capturing images at hundreds of wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum. This unique capability provides invaluable insights into the planet's health, facilitating the detection, monitoring, and prediction of global phenomena in sectors such as agriculture, mining, environment, and energy.
Pixxel's constellation of hyperspectral satellites is designed to offer global coverage every 24 hours, setting a new standard in satellite imaging frequency. The technology excels in disaster relief, agricultural monitoring, energy management, and urban planning applications, providing up to 50 times more information with unprecedented detail compared to conventional satellites in orbit.
The company is committed to developing miniaturised multi-payload satellites weighing up to 150 kg for the Indian Air Force. These satellites will serve purposes such as electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and hyperspectral applications.
Skyroot Aerospace
Skyroot Aerospace, co-founded by Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, has emerged as a trailblazer in India's space industry. In 2022, the aerospace startup achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian company to launch a private rocket.
In November 2022, Skyroot Aerospace made waves by successfully launching its sub-orbital rocket, Vikram-S, heralding a new era in private space exploration. This achievement positioned Skyroot as a pioneering force in the burgeoning private sector of India's space ecosystem.
Building on this success, Skyroot unveiled its indigenously developed Vikram-1 rocket in 2023. The Vikram-1, set to deliver satellites to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), is poised for its maiden flight early next year.
Adding to its achievements, Skyroot Aerospace inaugurated 'The MAX-Q Campus,' its new headquarters located at the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park in Mamidipally, South Hyderabad.
A crucial milestone in the development of the Vikram-1 orbital launch vehicle was reached with the completion of a proof pressure test (PPT) for the first stage, known as the Kalam-1200, in 2023.
Dhruva Space
Founded in 2012, Dhruva Space has positioned itself as a notable player in the space technology sector, focusing on the development of small satellites and end-to-end satellite infrastructure.
The startup, based in India, engages in the manufacturing of various satellite components, including solar panels, satellite software, communication systems, and satellite deployers. Dhruva Space has already launched two satellites and successfully tested its satellite orbital deployer on separate missions using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV) in the past year.
Dhruva Space is expanding its capabilities by constructing a state-of-the-art assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) facility on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
This facility, situated at the TSIIC Hardware Park II in Shamshabad and spanning 2.8 lakh square feet, is designed to manufacture a range of satellite infrastructure products, including satellite platforms, subsystems, satellite orbital deployers, and ground station equipment.
Bellatrix Aerospace
Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space startup founded in 2015 by Rohan M. Ganapathy and Yashas Karanam, has become a key player in India's aerospace landscape, with a primary focus on the development of advanced in-space propulsion systems and rocket propulsion technologies.
Bellatrix Aerospace has carved a niche for itself by specialising in the development of propulsion systems for satellites. The startup has successfully developed four classes of engines capable of catering to satellites ranging from 10-5,000 kg.
In a notable demonstration of its technological prowess, Bellatrix Aerospace achieved a milestone in April 2023 by sending its first propulsion engine to space onboard an ISRO PSLV rocket.
Beyond propulsion systems, Bellatrix Aerospace has diversified its portfolio, engaging in the manufacturing of small satellites and launch vehicles. Notable among these endeavours are the Thybolt 1 and 2 satellites, test launched in November 2021 aboard an ISRO rocket.
AgniKul Cosmos
Established in 2017, AgniKul Cosmos has swiftly emerged as a prominent player in India's private space industry, achieving remarkable milestones in a relatively short period.
Founded by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM, and S.R. Chakravarthy, the company has made significant strides in space technology, with a focus on developing launch vehicles and propulsion systems.
AgniKul Cosmos achieved a notable milestone by constructing its own launchpad and mission control centre at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
It has strategically positioned itself as one of the first Indian private enterprises to forge partnerships with both ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre).
In 2021, AgniKul achieved a ground-breaking feat with the successful test-firing of Agnilet, the world's first single-piece 3D printed engine fully conceived and manufactured in India. The company secured a patent for its engine from the government, cementing its position as a leader in cutting-edge propulsion technology.
Satellize
Formerly known as Exseed Space, the startup holds the distinction of being the first private Indian company to successfully deploy a satellite into space. The inaugural satellite was launched in December 2018, courtesy of SpaceX.
Subsequently, their second satellite, AISAT (also referred to as ExseedSat-2), was launched for a client, AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) India, utilising the fourth stage of the PSLV-C45.
Established in 2017 by Mahesh Murthy, Asshar Farhan, and Kris Nair in Hyderabad, Exseed Innovations is dedicated to the assembly, integration, testing, and operation of satellites.
