In the report published by the Indian Space Association (ISpA) and Ernst and Young, the rising demand for smaller satellites is expected to increase satellite manufacturing in the nation and attract international start-ups to the sector to help incubate space tech enterprises here.
According to the paper titled “Developing the Space Ecosystem in India: Focusing on Inclusive Growth,” India’s space industry was estimated to be worth USD 9.6 billion in 2020 and is predicted to reach USD 12.8 billion by 2025.
By 2025, the satellite services and applications segment would be the largest with a turnover of USD 4.6 billion, followed by ground segment at USD 4 billion, satellite manufacturing at USD 3.2 billion and launch services at USD 1 billion.
“Indian space launch is expected to get a boost due to the government’s positive step towards the inclusion of private players in the Indian space ecosystem,” the report stated.
The launch services segment was pegged at USD 600 million in 2020 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13 per cent to reach USD 1 billion by 2025, the report highlighted.
“The availability of low-cost satellite launch vehicles coupled with mass production will lead to demand from customers around the world. Indian private companies are looking to exploit the space industry by using innovative technologies,” it said.
Setting up space parks across the country is likely to give a fillip to companies operating across the space value chain, especially manufacturing, the report stated.
“It will be key to attracting global start-ups working in the space sector and help to incubate space tech companies in India,” it said.
Several companies are utilising cutting-edge technologies to develop innovative launch solutions in India and have built considerable expertise around the launch of LEO, MEO and GEO satellites and orbit management solutions.
“The launch segment is fast becoming a key focus area for start-ups and small and medium businesses (SMEs) in India to drive the innovation agenda and make use of new revenue opportunities,” the report said.
It noted that currently, India boasts of over 100 space tech start-ups with investments in the segment touching USD 68 million in 2021.
Inputs from PTI