Indian Space Sector Reforms
In 2020, the Government of India opened the Indian space sector to greater private-sector participation, allowing non-government entities to undertake end-to-end space activities including building satellites and launch vehicles, providing space-based services and using space infrastructure. The reforms created IN-SPACe as an independent nodal agency to promote, authorize and facilitate private participation, redefined the commercial role of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and expanded access to ISRO facilities and expertise. The Indian Space Policy 2023 subsequently provided a broader regulatory framework for a commercially driven and more competitive Indian space ecosystem.
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Timeline
24 June 2020
Union Cabinet approves space-sector reforms
The Union Cabinet approved reforms to open India's space sector to greater participation from private industry, with the objective of enabling private companies to undertake space activities and use existing space infrastructure and capabilities.
24 June 2020
Private companies allowed to undertake end-to-end space activities
The reforms opened the door for non-government entities to undertake end-to-end space activities, including building launch vehicles and satellites and providing space-based services.
24 June 2020
IN-SPACe proposed as private-sector space regulator
The reforms provided for the creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, or IN-SPACe, as an autonomous single-window mechanism to promote, authorize and facilitate private-sector space activities.
24 June 2020
NSIL role expanded
NewSpace India Limited was assigned a larger commercial role, including taking ownership of operational launch vehicles and satellites, commercialising launches and space-based services, and working with industry consortiums.
24 June 2020
ISRO facilities opened for private-sector participation
The reforms established a framework for private companies to access ISRO facilities, technical expertise and other infrastructure, reducing the high upfront investment required to enter the space sector.
1 January 2021
Private space ecosystem begins accelerating
Indian space startups increasingly began developing launch vehicles, satellites and space applications, supported by the new policy environment and access to government infrastructure and expertise.
1 September 2021
IN-SPACe becomes operational
IN-SPACe began taking shape as the institutional mechanism for enabling and regulating private-sector participation and facilitating interaction between ISRO and non-government entities.
1 May 2022
IN-SPACe formally established
IN-SPACe became an autonomous agency under the Department of Space, providing a dedicated institutional mechanism for promoting, authorizing and overseeing private space activities.
18 November 2022
Skyroot launches India's first private rocket
Skyroot Aerospace launched the Vikram-S suborbital rocket from Sriharikota, marking India's first privately developed rocket launch and a visible milestone in the new private-space era.
6 April 2023
Indian Space Policy 2023 approved
The Government of India approved the Indian Space Policy 2023, providing a comprehensive framework defining the roles of ISRO, IN-SPACe, NSIL and non-government entities and establishing greater regulatory certainty for private participation.
2 August 2023
ISRO transfers satellite technology to private industry
ISRO transferred IMS-1 satellite bus technology to Alpha Design Technologies through NSIL, marking an important step toward transferring government-developed space technology to private industry.
1 December 2023
Private space investment accelerates
Investment in Indian space startups increased significantly following the reforms. Government data reported investment rising from approximately USD 6 million in 2019 to more than USD 125 million in 2023, with cumulative investment reaching around USD 370 million.
21 February 2024
Foreign investment rules for space sector liberalised
The government approved changes to India's foreign direct investment policy for the space sector, allowing greater foreign investment across satellite manufacturing, launch vehicles, components and related activities.
18 September 2024
IN-SPACe expands support for space startups
IN-SPACe continued implementing programmes including seed funding, mentorship, design labs, skill development, facility access and technology-transfer support to strengthen India's private space ecosystem.
1 October 2024
Government approves ₹1,000 crore space-sector venture fund
The Union Cabinet approved a ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund dedicated to supporting India's growing space-sector ecosystem and providing long-term capital to promising space companies.
1 January 2025
Indian private space ecosystem continues expanding
Indian space startups continued developing launch vehicles, satellites, propulsion systems and space applications while increasing collaboration with ISRO and other government institutions.
18 July 2026
Skyroot completes India's first private orbital launch
Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched its Vikram-I rocket into orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, becoming the first Indian private company to conduct an orbital rocket launch from Indian soil. The milestone represented a major outcome of the private-sector space reforms introduced in 2020.