PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SUPPORT TO SPACE STARTUPS

India's space sector has undergone a transformative shift since the historic 2020 space sector reforms, which opened the doors for private participation in what was traditionally a government-dominated domain. The establishment of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) in June 2020 under the Department of Space marked a pivotal institutional reform, creating a single-window, independent nodal agency to promote, authorize, and supervise non-governmental entities (NGEs) in space activities. This move was a direct outcome of the Spacecom Policy 2020 and the Indian Space Policy 2023, which together laid the regulatory foundation for a vibrant private space ecosystem. The data from the Rajya Sabha reply by Dr. Jitendra Singh in July 2026 reveals remarkable progress: 440 space tech startups registered on the DPIIT Start-up India Portal, 113 authorisations granted to 52 NGEs (including 18 startups), and cumulative fund disbursement of ₹20,032.34 lakh across five targeted schemes. Key players like Skyroot Aerospace (India's first private rocket launch with Vikram-S in November 2022), Agnikul Cosmos (world's first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine), and Pixxel (hyperspectral imaging satellites) exemplify the innovation surge. The year-wise facilitation data shows a maturing pipeline — from sub-orbital launch access and engine testing in 2022-23 to advanced cryogenic pump reviews, docking mechanism testing, and First Launch Pad utilization for Vikram-1 in 2025-26. The Venture Capital Fund (₹100,000 lakh envelope) receiving SEBI approval on 31 October 2025 and disbursing ₹18,893.04 lakh in FY 2026-27 signals strong institutional investor confidence. Constitutionally, this aligns with Article 51 (promotion of international peace and security through scientific cooperation) and Article 253 (legislation for implementing international treaties), as India's space activities are governed by international obligations under the Outer Space Treaty (1967), which India ratified in 1982. The digital single-window platform by IN-SPACe embodies the 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' principle, reducing bureaucratic friction. Economically, the space economy is projected to grow from $8.4 billion (2023) to $44 billion by 2033, creating high-skilled jobs and boosting exports. Strategically, private sector involvement enhances national security through dual-use technologies, reduces ISRO's operational burden, and positions India as a competitive launch and satellite services hub globally. Future implications include potential sovereign space stations, lunar resource missions, and deeper integration with Quad and Artemis Accords frameworks. However, challenges remain: regulatory clarity on liability and insurance, intellectual property protection, and ensuring equitable access to ISRO's legacy infrastructure. The next phase must focus on scaling from demonstration to commercial sustainability, fostering deep-tech R&D, and building a globally competitive supply chain — making India not just a participant but a rule-shaper in the new space age.