India’s space program began in the 1960s with modest sounding rockets launched from Thumba. The successful launch of Aryabhata in 1975 was a foundational moment, soon followed by SLV-3, INSAT, and IRS satellite systems. In 2008, India launched Chandrayaan-1, marking its first mission to the Moon, and in 2013, it became the first Asian nation to reach Mars with Mangalyaan, at a fraction of the global cost.
More recently, Chandrayaan-3 (2023) achieved a soft landing near the Moon’s south pole—an unprecedented feat. These missions, along with critical satellite services in weather forecasting, navigation, remote sensing, and communication, have positioned ISRO as a leader in cost-effective and high-impact space exploration. Between 1975 and 2024, India’s space program contributed $60 billion to the GDP and generated nearly 96,000 direct jobs, laying a strong foundation for future growth. Building on this legacy, strategic policy reforms in recent years have accelerated the sector’s transformation, opening the door for private players to innovate and scale. These reforms have been pivotal in driving the dramatic expansion witnessed today.
Policy Shifts and the Private Sector Boom
The space sector’s dramatic growth is being driven by strategic policy reforms. The Indian Space Policy 2023 opened the industry to private players, enabling 100% FDI in satellite components, 74% in satellite manufacturing, and 49% in launch vehicles. It also established a more transparent regulatory regime, empowering agencies such as IN-SPACe and NSIL to facilitate public-private collaboration.
This liberalization sparked an explosion in private activity. India is now home to 400+ space-tech startups, up from just 11 in 2019. In 2023 alone, the sector attracted $126 million in venture capital, a 235% increase over two years. Key players like Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, and Dhruva Space are leading innovations in launch vehicles, satellite systems, and geospatial intelligence. States like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Kerala are also creating dedicated space parks, offering tax incentives, R&D infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies to attract firms and talent.
Opportunities Across the Space Value Chain
a) Upstream: Rockets, Satellites, and Manufacturing
India’s upstream space segment, which includes launch systems, satellite assembly, and component manufacturing, is rapidly expanding. Companies like Skyroot and Agnikul are developing small-lift rockets, including fully 3D-printed engines, while L&T and HAL are building PSLV stages in partnership with ISRO. A new spaceport in Kulasekarapatnam (Tamil Nadu) is expected to host commercial launches by 2025.
The satellite manufacturing market is projected to grow from $2.1 billion in 2020 to $3.2 billion by 2025, driven by global demand for smallsats and telecom constellations.
b) Midstream & Downstream: Data, Applications, and Services
The downstream segment, encompassing satellite-based services like earth observation, communications, and navigation, is where India’s real economic scale lies. It is projected to make up 36% or more of the Indian space economy by 2025. Satellite communication alone could hit $14.8 billion by 2033.
Startups like Pixxel and GalaxEye are using hyperspectral and multi-sensor technology to deliver climate insights, agricultural mapping, and environmental risk assessments. Meanwhile, satellite-based data is being integrated into national initiatives like PM Gati Shakti, BharatNet, and Smart Cities, creating value at the intersection of governance and technology.
Talent & Skills: Building India’s Space Workforce
India’s rapid growth in the space sector is also opening up new career paths for students and early-career professionals across STEM and non-STEM disciplines. With the space economy expected to reach $44 billion by 2033, over 200,000 new jobs could be created across the ecosystem.
Core Skills in Demand
Technical & Engineering
- Aerospace, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering
- Satellite Systems & Avionics
- Launch Vehicle Design and Propulsion
- Embedded Systems & Robotics
Software & Data Science
- Satellite Image Processing
- Machine Learning & AI in Space Tech
- Geospatial Analytics and GIS
- Simulation & Mission Control Systems
Space Science
- Astrophysics and Planetary Science
- Climate & Atmospheric Science
- Instrumentation and Payload Development
Interdisciplinary & Emerging Skills
- Space Law, Regulation, and Policy
- Space Business Development and Finance
- Project and Systems Management
Educational Pathways
- ISRO’s IIST: Offers BTech and PhD programs in aerospace and space science.
- IITs, NITs, and IISc: Offer cutting-edge research and technical programs.
- Online & Hybrid Platforms: NPTEL, edX, and Coursera offer specialized certifications in space systems, AI, and geospatial intelligence.
- Private Institutions: Amity, UPES, Shiv Nadar University, etc., are offering niche space-tech and aerospace programs.
Getting Started: How to kickstarting a Career in Space Tech
Getting started in India’s growing space sector seems to be a daunting task, however, students and early-career professionals can take several practical steps to build experience and visibility:
- Participate in Competitions: Engage in challenges like ISRO’s YUVIKA, iDEX challenges, or the NASA Space Apps Hackathon to tackle real-world space problems and foster collaborative innovation.
- Intern with Startups: Seek internships at pioneering space-tech startups such as Skyroot Aerospace, Pixxel, or GalaxEye to gain hands-on experience in launch systems, satellite imaging, and data analytics.
- Contribute to Open-Source Projects: Join open-source initiatives like CubeSat development to build strong technical portfolios and practical skills.
- Join Space Clubs and Platforms: Connect with mentors and peers through college space clubs or online communities such as TinkerSpace, Spaceonova, and SSERD, which offer resources, mentorship, and a supportive network of innovators.
A Decade of Possibilities: India’s Space Outlook
India’s ambitions extend far beyond satellite launches. The upcoming Gaganyaan mission, planned for a crewed flight by 2027, marks a significant milestone in human spaceflight. Following this, the launch of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) module by 2028 and a fully operational Indian space station expected by 2035 underscore the country’s long-term vision for sustained presence in space. The 2025 Axiom-4 mission, which will carry an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station, highlights India’s readiness for global collaboration in orbital science, space tourism, and crew training. These efforts open new opportunities for Indian scientists, engineers, and commercial operators to work alongside international partners in emerging low Earth orbit platforms.
India’s space economy, currently valued at $8.4 billion, is projected to grow to $44 billion by 2033, capturing 8 to 10 percent of the global market. This rapid expansion is fueled by robust public-private partnerships, innovative startups specializing in launch and data services, strategic investments, and increasing foreign collaborations. Growing demand for satellite-enabled telecom, climate resilience, and infrastructure mapping further drives this momentum. Transitioning from a satellite-launching nation to a full-spectrum space economy, India offers its youth a rare and transformative opportunity to shape the future of science, security, sustainability, and space exploration on a global stage.
