India’s space economy, currently valued at $8.4 billion, has expanded significantly since the sector was opened to private investment in 2020. The move has attracted more than 400 space startups, creating a growing network of private companies working alongside the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Several government and private organisations collaborating with ISRO are also involved in defence-related projects, resulting in increasing integration between space technology and national security capabilities.
Skyroot Aerospace’s upcoming launch of the country’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket before August 4 represents the next major step for India’s growing space industry. The Department of Space stated that India is pursuing ambitious objectives in deep-space exploration, space science, human spaceflight, and orbital infrastructure.
“These achievements reflect growing confidence, technological maturity, and a long-term vision for India’s role in the global space ecosystem,” the Department of Space said.
India’s achievements in space exploration have expanded across Mars, the Moon, the Sun, and deep ocean research. In 2014, India became the first Asian nation to place a spacecraft into orbit around Mars through its Mars Orbiter Mission.
ISRO has also achieved major milestones through its Chandrayaan lunar exploration programme. The programme began with a lunar orbiter mission in 2008, followed by an unsuccessful landing attempt in 2019 and a successful 2023 mission that deployed a rover on the lunar surface.
The 2023 Chandrayaan mission made India the fourth country in the world to successfully land an unmanned spacecraft on the Moon after Russia, the United States, and China. A fourth Chandrayaan mission planned for 2027 is expected to bring back lunar samples, while a Venus orbit mission is scheduled for 2028.
India’s ongoing solar mission, Aditya, is studying the outermost layers of the Sun and monitoring space weather conditions. On Earth, ISRO technology is contributing to the development of India’s Matsya submarine, named after the fish avatar of Hindu deity Vishnu.
The submarine is expected to carry scientists six kilometres underwater by 2027 to support research and exploration of deep ocean resources, including rare earth elements and critical minerals, according to Science Minister Jitendra Singh.
India’s satellite programme has also gained global recognition for cost-effective space missions. Since ISRO developed its first satellite, launched on a Soviet rocket in 1975, the country has built a reputation for delivering efficient and affordable space solutions.
The Indian space programme has accelerated since 2014, with efforts focused on expanding participation in the rapidly growing commercial satellite market. ISRO has launched more than 430 foreign satellites, generating more than $600 million in revenue, and has placed more than 144 Indian satellites into orbit.
A historic new frontier for India’s space journey!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 18, 2026
At 11:30 AM today, Skyroot Aerospace will undertake the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed launch vehicle.
This four-stage rocket is designed to provide rapid and on-demand launch services.… pic.twitter.com/1qFVTwNOuZ
India is expanding its primary launch facility at Sriharikota on the southeast coast of Andhra Pradesh, while a second spaceport is being constructed at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu on the southern tip of the country.
The government has projected that India’s space industry will grow to $44 billion by 2033 and reach $100 billion by 2040. India is also collaborating with NASA, the European Space Agency, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. Russia is supporting preparations for India’s human spaceflight programme.
The private space sector has emerged as a major driver of India’s space ambitions. Along with broader technology and artificial intelligence initiatives, private companies are rapidly expanding their capabilities in satellite manufacturing, launch vehicles, and space-based applications.
Skyroot Aerospace is preparing the maiden test flight of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket. The rocket is designed to carry small satellites into low-Earth orbit and is scheduled to launch from Sriharikota between July 12 and August 4.
Other companies are also contributing to India’s private space ecosystem. Pixxel is developing observation satellites for applications including agriculture and environmental monitoring. Bellatrix Aerospace is working on satellite propulsion systems, while Agnikul Cosmos is manufacturing small satellite launch vehicles powered by three-dimensional printed rocket engines.
India’s civil space sector is closely connected with defence capabilities, with several government and private companies supplying technology for both areas. These include launch vehicles, propulsion systems, satellites, electronics, and guidance technologies that support space operations as well as missile and military drone programmes.
ISRO has highlighted its “active coordination” with the Defence Research and Development Organisation and maintains close links with the BrahMos missile programme, a joint India-Russia initiative.
Companies supplying avionics and guidance systems to ISRO are also benefiting from increased military demand. India has invested billions of dollars in defence procurement following its 2025 conflict with neighbouring Pakistan, where drones and missiles played a major role.
India is also preparing for its first crewed space mission under the Gaganyaan programme. The mission, meaning “sky craft”, aims to eventually send three Indian astronauts into a 400-kilometre orbit for three days.
The first of three planned uncrewed test flights is expected in late 2026. As part of preparations, Indian Air Force pilot Shubhanshu Shukla joined the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft in 2025 and became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans for India to establish its own space station by 2035 and send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
With expanding exploration missions, a growing private industry, advanced satellite capabilities, and ambitious human spaceflight plans, India’s space programme is moving into a new era. The upcoming launch of Vikram-1 is expected to further strengthen India’s position as a major participant in the global space economy.
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