Parliament Question: Private sector in space research

O.I.H. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4459 TO BE ANSWERED ON THURSDAY, APRIL 02, 2026 PRIVATE SECTOR IN SPACE RESEARCH 4459. SHRI MADAN RATHORE: Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is promoting private sector participation in space research; (b) the number of satellites launched by India during the last three years; (c) the benefits thereof to the country’s economy and communication systems; and (d) the details of major space projects proposed for future? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH): **** (a) Yes. Through IN-SPACe, Industries are being encouraged to take up space research for commercial product and services development. (b) 13 ISRO satellites have been launched from India in the past three years. In addition to this, 49 satellites have been launched by M/s. NewSpace India Limited on commercial basis in the last three years (from January, 2023 to December, 2025). (c) With respect to communication and navigation missions, India has launched GSAT- N2, CMS-03, and NVS-01 satellites in the last three years. GSAT-N2 is a full Ka band satellite to meet broadband and in-flight connectivity needs across India. Satellite internet services are emerging as critical solution to bridge India’s digital divide for which GSAT-N2 satellite may serve as space infrastructure. CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite that will provide services over a wide oceanic region including the Indian landmass for Government users. NVS-01 satellite is a partof NavIC based layer constellation for providing positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service over Indian region. These missions are contributing for the country’s economy and communication systems by providing digital connectivity and positioning/timing services. Further, the satellites launched by NSIL has earned FR of US$ 120 Million and Euro 80 million. (d) Government of India announced India’s Space Vision for 2047, which includes establishing Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Indian Moon landing by 2040. Towards achieving this goal, following major projects are approved by the Union Cabinet: 1) Gaganyaan follow-on mission & 1st module of BAS 2) Chandrayaan-4 /Lunar Sample Return Mission 3) Chandrayaan-5 / LuPex Mission 4) Next generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) 5) Third Launch Pad 6) Venus Orbiter Mission ****