Synopsis
The report “Developing the space ecosystem in India: focusing on inclusive growth” highlights the growth and potential of the Indian space ecosystem. The report, developed by the Indian Space Association (ISpA) in collaboration with EY, covers the outlook of the space economy in India and its potential to accelerate the socio-economic development of the country. It includes the global space economy and its growth drivers, as well as India's entire lifecycle of the space economy, including manufacturing, ground and launch segment, startups, and end-user services. The report also provides regulatory landscape and inputs from industry to propel growth in the Indian space industry.
India's space ecosystem has been primarily driven by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), with limited private participation. However, there is a growing need for private companies to move up the value chain and contribute to the development of the space industry. The satellite manufacturing space offers significant potential for growth, with the ‘Make in India' initiative and increasing demand for small satellites. By 2025, satellite manufacturing is expected to be the second fastest growing segment in the Indian space economy, with launch services growing the fastest.
The Indian space startup ecosystem has emerged strongly in recent years, with over 100 spacetech startups in the country by the end of 2021. In 2021, investments in spacetech startups reached US$68 million, a year-on-year increase of 196%. Key drivers for investment in the Indian space segment include involvement of private players, lower costs for developing and launching satellites, promise of substantial Return on Investment (RoI), and technological advancement in the space industry.
The report also highlights the importance of a conducive regulatory and policy framework for building a robust space ecosystem in India. Promoting ease of doing business, enabling access to facilities, and fostering collaboration between the government, regulatory bodies, national and international organizations, and other stakeholders are essential for the growth of the space sector in the country.
In summary, the Indian space ecosystem is poised for accelerated growth, driven by advancements in technology, increasing demand for satellite services, and a supportive regulatory environment. The involvement of private players and the development of innovative solutions by startups will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the space industry in India.