PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SPACE START-UPS IN INDIA

**Executive Summary** This document, posted on February 11, 2026, by PIB Delhi, summarizes the Indian government's efforts to support the growth of space start-ups. It outlines the various schemes, policies, and institutional frameworks implemented to encourage innovation and build a robust space ecosystem. Key highlights include the increase in space start-ups since 2014 and major achievements in the sector. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Growth of Space Start-ups:** * The number of registered space start-ups has increased from 1 in 2014 to over 400 by 2026. * **Government Initiatives & Policies:** * Indian Space Policy (2023) * Liberated FDI Policy (2024) * Norms, Guidelines and Procedures for Authorization (2024) * IN-SPACE Seed Fund Scheme (2023) * IN-SPACE Pre-incubation Entrepreneurship (PIE) Program (2024) * Establishment of Rs. 1000 Cr Venture Capital Fund (2024) * Establishment of Rs. 500 Crores Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) (2025) * Technology Transfer of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to HAL (2025) * Establishment of Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation on PPP model (2026) * **Major Achievements:** * Space start-ups have reached over 400 in number. * Investment in space start-ups has surpassed USD 500 million. * Two private sector companies have successfully tested and flown launch vehicles at sub-orbital orbit. * 25 payloads flown/going to fly on PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) which helps NGE's test and prove the space flightworthiness of their payloads. * 6 Indian Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) have launched 18 satellites in orbit. * Awarding of the establishment of Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation on PPP model. * Higher throughput of launch vehicles with the technology transfer of SSLV * 25 number of companies already testing their satellites /subsystems in the real environment of space by taking advantage of platforms like POEM * State government seeing space as a sunrise sector and making proactive policies to encourage companies in this domain through incentive schemes. * Indian space companies slowly beginning to embed in global aerospace and space supply chains. **Impact Analysis** **Space Start-ups:** * **Impact:** Enhanced funding opportunities, easier regulatory frameworks, and increased innovation platforms. * **Action Required:** Utilize the available schemes and infrastructure to develop and test space technologies. **Investors (Venture Capital Firms, etc.):** * **Impact:** Opportunities to invest in promising space ventures. * **Action Required:** Evaluate investment opportunities in the growing Indian space sector. **HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited):** * **Impact:** Benefit from technology transfer of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). * **Action Required:** Prepare for integration of SSLV technology and potential commercialization. **Indian Space Tech Companies:** * **Impact:** Improve global confidence. * **Action Required:** Spur innovation. **State Governments:** * **Impact:** The encouragement of companies through incentive schemes. * **Action Required:** Make proactive policies.

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