- Prime Minister interacted with the CEOs of 20 space startups, including Skyroot Aerospace, ahead of August 23 to mark the historic lunar landing.
- Startup founders shared progress on cutting-edge projects including global ground-station networks, satellite engines, space-debris-removal robotics, and orbital docking and refuelling capabilities.
- Emphasising policy continuity, PM Modi assured entrepreneurs of unwavering support, saying, “You have shown courage in a new space, and importantly, you have trusted the government. When we were opening up—whatever we decide, we should not make changes so that whoever is investing can trust that no one will leave my hand.”
- Chandana said, “We already have three factories with the capacity to manufacture one rocket per month. By mid-next year, we plan to execute one launch per month, with the ultimate dream of scaling to multiple launches a day,” noting the company has secured eight launch contracts, mostly from foreign clients.
- Startup leaders praised the government’s supportive policy framework since the sector opened to private players in 2020.
- One founder noted that Indians working abroad have begun returning due to the current boom in the sector.
- One startup highlighted ongoing research into manufacturing pharmaceuticals in microgravity environments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with CEOs of 20 space startups in New Delhi, emphasizing the need for wider applications of space technology to enhance lives.1
“I believe that we can draw the entire talent pool because of you, and that will become our strength,” he stated, highlighting India's potential to attract global talent.
The meeting showcased progress in various projects, including global ground-station networks and space-debris-removal robotics. One founder noted, “We already have three factories with the capacity to manufacture one rocket per month. By mid-next year, we plan to execute one launch per month, with the ultimate dream of scaling to multiple launches a day,” indicating the sector's rapid growth.25
Modi assured entrepreneurs of “unwavering support” and emphasized the importance of policy continuity, stating, “You have shown courage in a new space, and importantly, you have trusted the government.” The supportive policy framework since 2020 has encouraged many Indians abroad to return, further bolstering the industry.346
As the sector continues to expand, the Prime Minister's commitment to fostering innovation and attracting talent positions India as a competitive player in the global space arena.
“Chandana of Skyroot Aerospace said the company has secured eight launch contracts, mostly from foreign clients, and plans one launch per month by mid-next year. Startup leaders praised the government's supportive policy framework since the sector opened to private players in 2020.”
The Indian Express
