In recent years, India has backed its space technology tremendously. Whether it is Chandrayan Mission-3, Aditya-L1 Mission, or the most-awaited Gaganyan Mission, the Indian space industry is showing indigenous technology, systems, facilities, and rollout of missions systematically.
The industry also has significant support from the Indian government as it approved a Rs 10 billion ($119 million) fund for its burgeoning space sector, as the country strives to acquire a significant share of the commercial space market by 2033.
In this article, we will look at the top SpaceTech startups in India that are exploring new horizons and redefining the space industry.
Also Read: Space Security: The Next Frontier of Cybersecurity in Space
1. Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited
Founded in 2016, AgniKul is a Chennai-based spacetech startup. Its Agnilet is a single piece, 3D printed, semi cryogenic engine. Agnikul has established India’s first private launchpad in Sriharikota.
Agnikul’s Agnibaan, a customizable vehicle, has been developed keeping in mind the capability to launch from multiple launchports across the world. The launch pedestal “Dhanush” supports full mobility across all configurations of Agnibaan.
2. Abyom SpaceTech and Defence Pvt. Ltd.
Hyderabad-based Abyom SpaceTech and Defence builds the Re-Ignitable and Throttleable Cryogenic Rocket Engine. Founded in 2020, Abyom has developed a Plug & Play Rocket Engine Testing Facility, specifically designed to test engines up to 50 kN thrust.
Abyom’s Reusable Sounding Rocket (RSR) is India’s First Reusable Rocket, which is vertically launched and vertically landed (VTVL), and is expected to launch in December 2026. Its Small Reusable Launch Vehicle (SRLV) with two-stage-to-orbit, is expected to launch in December 2027, and Medium Reusable Launch Vehicle (MRLV), with two-stage-to-orbit, is expected to launch in December 2028.
3. Astrogate Labs
The Bangalore-based Astrogate Labs provides end-to-end laser communication solutions for smallsat constellations. Established in 2017, Astrogate Labs’s mature technology and laser-communication products in a SWaP (size, weight and power) compatible for cube/nanosats allows for a secure, long-distance wireless communications in space-to-ground and space-to-space links.
With a vision to address the high-speed communication challenge in space, Astrogate Labs aims to revolutionize satellite and terrestrial communications with laser-based technology.
4. Kawa Space
Another one of the top space tech startups leading the next space age is Kawa Space. Founded in 2019, Kawa Space is a Mumbai-based space-tech company, building critical earth observation infrastructure for the new world. Its Maritime Domain Awareness identifies and tracks vessel activity anywhere in the world.
With a mission to make satellite imagery accessible to all, Kawa Space actively powering multiple use cases for its agriculture, infrastructure, and environment-focused customers.
5. Bellatrix Aerospace
Indian space tech startup Bellatrix Aerospace develops and manufactures advanced propulsion technologies for various missions. Founded in 2015, Bellatrix Aerospace’s missions include PSLV C55 Hall Effect Thruster (April 2023), PSLV C58 High Performance Green Propulsion System (Jan 2024), and PSLV C58 Hall Effect Thruster (Jan 2024).
Bellatrix Aerospace products include Arka, A Hall Effect Thruster; Rudra, High Performance Green Propulsion Systems; Pushpak, Orbital Transport Vehicle; Fingernail, Perfect Propulsion System for Nano Satellites; JAL, Microwave Plasma Thruster; and Project 200, a technology demonstrator mission for a new unconventional satellite powered by a highly advanced propulsion system at ~200km orbit.
6. OrbitAID Aerospace Private Limited
Focused on “On-Orbit Refueling” for satellites, OrbitAID Aerospace is developing satellite life extension solutions, which enable longer mission duration, lower space debris generation and enhanced operational flexibility.
Founded in 2021, OrbitAID Aerospace is a Bangalore-based startup. Its S.I.D.R.P (Standard Interface for Docking and Refueling Port) has been developed with dual-docking redundancy and is designed to seamlessly integrate with existing connectors.
7. Grahaa Space
Another on the list of the top space tech startups leading the next space age is Grahaa Space. Based in Bangalore, Grahaa Space aims to provide on-demand, near real-time geospatial videos of any given location on Earth, captured and streamed through an advanced constellation of earth observation nanosatellites.
8. Blue Sky Analytics
Founded in 2019, Blue Sky Analytics is a geospatial data intelligence company. The company builds an API-based catalogue of Environmental Datasets by leveraging Satellite data, AI and cloud. Using its proprietary and AI-powered datasets with a detailed spatial and temporal context, Blue Sky Analytics SpaceTime™ visualizes business-ready and actionable environmental insights.
9. GalaxEye Space
Another one of the top spacetech startups on the list is GalaxEye Space, a Banglore-based startup founded in 2021. The company is building the world’s first Hybrid Imaging Satellite, the first-of-its-kind multi-sensor (SAR + MSI) imaging satellites that provide all-time all-weather information for any point on Earth.
10. Origin Antares
With a vision to pioneer humanity’s exploration and colonization of deep space, Origin Antares is among the top spacetech startups in India. Founded in 2023, the startup designs, develops, and in-house manufactures cutting-edge space technologies. Its STELLAR (Satellite for Tracking and Earth Low-Level Analysis and Reporting) represents the pinnacle of its innovation in the space sector.
The list is not yet end as there are a large number of space tech startups in India empowering the country’s space industry. Their products and missions are not only revolutionizing the sector but also redefining the way the country strives to win the space economy race.
With the use of cutting-edge technologies, these spacetech startups are building innovative launch solutions in India, ranging from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) to Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) satellites and orbit management solutions.
Noting to EY, India’s satellite manufacturing will be the 2nd fastest-growing segment in the Indian space economy by 2025. As these startups are bolstering the space technology sector in India, stay tuned to The Future Talk for another list of startups redefining the country’s Industry.
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