India’s space sector is moving forward as private rocket company Skyroot Aerospace prepares to launch the country’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket before August 4. The Vikram-1 rocket, designed to carry small satellites into low-Earth orbit, is scheduled for its maiden test flight from Sriharikota between July 12 and August 4. This launch marks a significant step in the growth of the Indian space industry, which has expanded rapidly since private investment was allowed in 2020.
New Delhi’s space economy is valued at $8.4 billion, and officials project it will grow to $44 billion by 2033 and $100 billion by 2040. The Department of Space notes that these achievements reflect growing confidence and a long-term vision for India’s role in the global space ecosystem. India is pursuing ambitious goals across deep-space exploration, space science, human spaceflight, and orbital infrastructure.
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ISRO has made strides with its lunar probe programme called Chandrayaan. The 2023 mission deployed a rover, making India the fourth nation to land an unmanned craft on the Moon after Russia, the United States, and China. A fourth Chandrayaan mission set for 2027 is expected to bring back Moon samples, and a Venus orbit mission is slated for 2028. An ongoing solar mission, Aditya, is observing the Sun’s outermost layers and space weather. On Earth, ISRO technology is helping develop India’s Matsya submarine, which will carry scientists six kilometres underwater by 2027 to harness deep ocean resources, including rare earth and critical minerals.
Satellite launches have become a major commercial activity for India. Since building its first satellite in 1975, ISRO has launched more than 430 foreign satellites, earning more than $600 million. The country is expanding its launchpad at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh and building a second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu. In addition to NASA, India works with the European Space Agency (ESA), France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.
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Leading private firms include Skyroot Aerospace and Pixxel. Pixxel is building observation satellites for applications ranging from agriculture to environmental monitoring. Bellatrix Aerospace is developing satellite propulsion systems, and Agnikul Cosmos is manufacturing small satellite launch vehicles powered by 3D-printed rocket engines. These companies are adding to a growing list of private players in the sector.
India’s civil space and defence industries are deeply intertwined, with several government and private companies supplying both sectors. This includes launch rockets, propulsion, satellite electronics, and guidance systems—technology used in space and for India’s growing missile and military drone programmes.