30 companies have answered a call from the Indian National Space Promotion and authorisation centre (IN-SPACe) to create Earth observation (EO) satellite constellations.
Launched through an expression of interest (EoI) in July, the initiative aims to establish a private-public partnership to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign data sources for defence, infrastructure, and mapping needs.
“We have received nine applications, with each representing a consortium of companies,” said Pawan Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe. These consortia comprise startups such as Pixxel and SatSure, backed by Google and Baring private equity, respectively, along with major players like Tata advanced systems.
IN-SPACe’s eligibility criteria require applicants to raise or invest at least Rs 850 million in space projects, have a valuation of Rs 8.5 billion, or demonstrate a turnover of Rs 2 billion over the past three years. Applicants must also set up spacecraft control centres in India or collaborate with ground station service providers.
The government plans to provide the winning bidder a Rs 3.5 billion loan, with private firms funding the remaining costs. A tender process will follow technical evaluations, expected by January’s end.
This initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to grow its small satellite and data services market, which is projected to reach $45 billion by 2030. Since opening the sector to private players, India has established a Rs 10 billion venture fund for space startups.
While India’s EO data currently relies on foreign sources like ESA and Isro, this programme underscores a shift toward self-reliance and greater private sector involvement.