New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) The number of space startups in India has soared to over 400, with investments surpassing $500 million, as reported to the Parliament on Wednesday.

Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed that two private sector firms successfully tested and launched their sub-orbital vehicles in November 2022 and May 2024, in a written response in the Lok Sabha.

He noted, “A total of 25 payloads have been launched or are scheduled to be launched on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), which enables Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) to verify the space flightworthiness of their payloads. Six Indian NGEs have successfully placed 18 satellites into orbit,” he added.

He further emphasized that the creation of an Earth Observation satellite constellation based on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model will drive innovation and enhance global confidence in India's space technology firms.

Currently, 25 companies are actively testing their satellites and subsystems in the actual space environment through platforms like 'POEM'.

The minister highlighted that state governments are increasingly recognizing space as a burgeoning sector, implementing proactive policies and incentive schemes to support companies in this field. Consequently, Indian space enterprises are progressively integrating into global aerospace and space supply chains.

Since the launch of the ‘Startup India’ initiative aimed at fostering innovation and establishing a strong startup ecosystem by offering support, funding, and streamlined regulations, there has been remarkable growth in space-related startups.

Some notable space startups that emerged post-2014 include Pixxel, Dhruva, Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, and Bellatrix Aerospace.

The ‘Startup India’ program was inaugurated on January 16, 2016, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to nurture innovation, promote entrepreneurship, and facilitate investment-driven growth, ultimately aiming to transform India into a nation of job creators instead of job seekers.

Today, the shift from being a global “back-office” to an “innovation architect” transcends mere sovereignty in defense or technology. It involves reshaping national institutions, decentralizing opportunities, and integrating innovation into the daily operations of India.

Currently, India’s space startups are fortifying the nation’s sovereign space intelligence. Bengaluru-based Pixxel has successfully launched the initial satellites of its Firefly constellation, marking the country’s first commercial satellite constellation that offers world-class hyperspectral imaging.

In a similar vein, the anticipated launch of GalaxEye’s Mission Drishti promises to equip the nation with “sovereign eyes” through the world’s first multi-sensor Earth-observation satellite.