India’s space sector is undergoing a historic transformation through the Government of India’s forward-looking reforms. As Skyroot Aerospace prepares to launch Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, the country’s growing private space ecosystem is demonstrating the impact of these reforms. The Indian Space Policy 2023 has opened the entire space value chain to private participation, fostering innovation, investment and enterprise across the space ecosystem. Indian industry is now participating in satellite manufacturing, launch services, space applications and downstream services.
The impact of these reforms is already visible in the numbers. India’s space startup ecosystem has grown from just one startup in 2014 to over 400 in 2026, reflecting the rapid expansion of private participation and innovation across the space sector.
Government reforms are also accelerating the growth of India’s space economy. Valued at approximately USD 8.4 billion today, the sector is projected to grow five-fold to USD 40–45 billion by 2030. It is further aimed to reach USD 100 billion by 2040. Sustained Government support, enabling regulations and strong public-private partnerships continue to drive this growth, positioning India as a global hub for space technology, manufacturing, innovation and commercial space activities. Read More on Building India’s Space Future: INDIA’S SPACE ODYSSEY
Mission Aagaman: Vikram-1
Vikram-1, developed by Skyroot Aerospace, is India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, capable of placing 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Orbital launch vehicles deploy satellites into stable Earth orbits, supporting communication, navigation, Earth observation and scientific research.
It is built with an all-carbon composite structure, reliable solid-fuel boosters and a 3D-printed liquid engine, Vikram-1 showcases India’s growing private-sector launch capabilities.
Vikram-1 is scheduled to launch under Mission Aagaman between 12 July and 4 August 2026. A successful mission will validate the country’s indigenous commercial launch capability and the success of the Government of India’s space sector reforms.
The mission will deploy multiple customer payloads into LEO at an altitude of 450 kilometres (280 miles). These include Skyroot’s SCOPE satellite, DCUBED’s technology demonstration payload, Grahaa Space’s SOLARAS S3 satellite, and Cosmoserve Space’s Embrace, a robotic arm designed to capture orbital debris.
The maiden flight will also carry two symbolic payloads—”Cosmic Bloom”, a floral-shaped artwork, and an 18-karat gold micro-rocket. The micro-rocket features microscopic sculptures of C. V. Raman, Vikram Sarabhai and A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, each smaller than a grain of rice, paying tribute to India’s pioneering scientists.
Key Reforms Enabling Private Participation in India’s Space Sector
The Government of India has taken profound steps by introducing key reforms in the space sector to expand private sector participation and unlock new opportunities for innovation.
Indian Space Policy 2023
The Government notified the Indian Space Policy 2023, allowing Non-Government Entities (NGEs) to take part across the entire space value chain. This move opened doors for private players to space-related activities in India. The policy aims to drive innovation in technology, encouraging fresh ideas and advancements within the sector. Alongside this, the policy also encourages international collaboration, fostering partnerships that support peaceful exploration of space. Collectively, these steps mark a significant shift toward a more open and inclusive space ecosystem in India.
Single-Window Space Regulator
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is acting as an autonomous single-window agency to authorise and promote space activities by Government entities and NGEs. Strengthened by the Indian Space Policy 2023, IN-SPACe also provides a stable and predictable regulatory framework and facilitates end-to-end industry participation, Additionally, it enables access to ISRO facilities, technologies and technical expertise, and streamlines approvals through transparent guidelines. As of June 2026, IN-SPACe has registered over 4,500 organisations, issued 133 authorisations, and signed 106 Memoranda of Understanding.
Additionally, as of February 2026, IN-SPACe facilitated USD 150 million in investments into Indian space startups during CY 2025, with the top 10 startups securing a confirmed order book of the same value. By June 2026, IN-SPACe had also facilitated 118 technology transfer agreements and signed 189 Joint Project Implementation Plans (JPIPs), Technology Partnership Agreements (TPAs) and Business Partnership Agreements (BPAs), accelerating technology commercialisation and industry collaboration.
