India’s private space sector received a major boost as the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) announced a series of initiatives to support non-governmental space companies through funding, infrastructure access and technical assistance.
The announcements were made during the IN-SPACe Industry Connect programme in Ahmedabad and included new financial schemes, support for launch service providers, Earth observation projects and the selection of the first startups under the Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) Scheme.
To accelerate private participation in the space sector, IN-SPACe has introduced several support measures, including a ₹1,000-crore Venture Capital Fund, a ₹500-crore Technology Adoption Fund and ₹500 crore worth of Common Technical Facilities.
Other initiatives include an Earth Observation satellite constellation under a public-private partnership model, a Seed Fund Scheme, allocation of an ITU filing to a non-governmental entity and the release of an Expression of Interest (EoI) for PSLV Transfer of Technology.
Three Startups Selected for TAF Funding
On June 11, 2026, IN-SPACe announced the first three Indian non-governmental entities selected for financial assistance under the Technology Adoption Fund Scheme after a multi-stage evaluation involving experts from ISRO, DPIIT, DST, academia, industry and IN-SPACe.
Astrobase Space Technologies, based in Bengaluru, will develop an 800 kN-class reusable closed-cycle LOX-LNG liquid rocket engine for medium and heavy-lift launch vehicles.
Another Bengaluru-based company, SatSure Analytics India, has been selected to develop Dhaarini, a Large Earth Observation Model designed as an AI-powered foundation platform for remote sensing applications. The system is expected to support sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and disaster management.
TM2SPACE Technologies of Hyderabad will develop indigenous AI-powered satellite star tracker systems, including StarSense Lite for CubeSats and StarSense Pro for larger satellites. The technology is aimed at improving satellite navigation, attitude determination and pointing accuracy for imaging and communication missions.
IN-SPACe Chairman Dr. Pawan Goenka said the programme is designed to bridge the gap between early-stage technology development and commercial deployment while encouraging Indian companies working on advanced space technologies.
Rajeev Jyoti, Director of the Technical Directorate at IN-SPACe, said the selected projects address key technology gaps in reusable rocket propulsion, Earth Observation AI platforms and indigenous high-precision star tracker systems.
IN-SPACe will provide technical guidance, milestone-based funding and continuous project monitoring during implementation.
Support for Private Launch Providers
The Department of Space is also extending technical assistance to private companies preparing for orbital launches.
Skyroot Aerospace is targeting its orbital launch mission in July 2026. ISRO and the Department of Space are supporting the company through propellant casting, static testing at SDSC-Sriharikota, liquid engine testing at LPSC and IPRC, trajectory validation by VSSC, launch pad integration, pre-launch operations, launch support and range safety coordination.
Similarly, Agnikul Cosmos is receiving technical support for vehicle development and launch operations. Land has already been earmarked at SDSC-SHAR for the company’s dedicated launch pad.
National Earth Observation Constellation
IN-SPACe has selected a consortium led by Pixxel to design, build and operate a national Earth Observation satellite constellation under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The consortium includes Pixxel, Dhruva Space, PierSight and SatSure. Together, the companies will develop and operate a 12-satellite constellation aimed at strengthening India’s space-based monitoring and data capabilities.
Orbital Slots Opened for Private Industry
India has also begun allocating orbital resources to private space companies. One orbital slot at 89° East has been allotted to Ananth Technologies Ltd.
In addition, two more orbital slots at 55.8° East and 68° East have been identified for future allocation to non-governmental entities, further opening opportunities for private participation in the country’s space ecosystem.