India’s space industry booms with focus on small satellites and cost efficiency

India’s space sector is witnessing significant growth, with an increasing number of companies focusing on satellite production, as reported by Eurasia Today, a partner of TV BRICS. A major trend among private space companies in the country is the development of small satellites, moving away from large-scale satellite designs towards more compact, efficient spacecraft the size of a laptop. According to the source, this shift reflects India’s belief that the era of Boeing-sized satellites has ended and smaller, more affordable alternatives are the future.

In August 2023, India’s Chandrayaan-3 lunar lander successfully touched down in the Moon's polar region, marking a significant milestone for the country's space programme. Remarkably, the entire project was completed for just US$75 million, illustrating India’s cost-effective approach to space exploration.

To support this sector, the Indian government has established a US$119 million venture fund, aimed at bolstering private space initiatives. Key focus areas for India’s space industry include telecommunications, agriculture, and mining satellites. Additionally, the country’s state-led space programme is planning future missions, including the exploration of Venus.

Over 100 space-tech enterprises were registered in India last year, demonstrating the rapid expansion of the industry. In 2023, Indian space companies attracted US$126 million in investment, a 7 per cent increase from 2022 and a remarkable 235 per cent rise compared to 2021. Although India currently accounts for only 2 per cent of the global commercial space services market, its rapid growth indicates significant potential for expansion.

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