Thirty companies join India’s satellite constellation race

Thirty companies have entered India’s race to build a satellite constellation and reduce reliance on foreign data.

India accelerates its push for home-grown Earth observation satellites with a new private-public initiative.

India is taking significant steps to build a home-grown Earth observation satellite network, reducing dependence on foreign data for critical sectors like defence and infrastructure. Thirty Indian companies, forming nine consortiums, have expressed interest in the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre’s (IN-SPACe) initiative.

The project, part of a larger strategy to monetise the space sector, aims to bolster the country’s $45 billion small satellite and data services market, projected to thrive by 2030. Major participants include startups Pixxel and SatSure, alongside Tata Advanced Systems. Technical evaluations are set to conclude by January, followed by the selection of a winning bidder.

Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements, including substantial investment in space activities and establishing operational capabilities within India. The government plans to offer loans of up to 3.5 billion rupees, with private entities covering remaining costs.

India’s broader space programme features plans for crewed missions and interplanetary exploration. However, the immediate focus remains on expanding private sector involvement, supported by a 10-billion-rupee venture fund for startups. By fostering domestic innovation, the nation aims to secure its data sovereignty and commercial space leadership.