A Policy Shift Unlocks the Skies
The primary catalyst for this commercial shift has been a series of deliberate policy reforms from the Indian government. The landmark Indian Space Policy 2023 was designed to open the entire space value chain to private participation. It clarified the roles
of various entities, positioning the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to focus more on research and development of advanced technologies, while allowing private companies to handle operational and commercial activities. To facilitate this, the government established the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) as a single-window agency. IN-SPACe's role is to promote, authorise, and supervise the activities of non-governmental entities (NGEs), giving them access to ISRO's facilities and expertise, thereby creating a stable and predictable regulatory environment for startups to thrive.
Skyroot: From Test Flight to Commercial Contracts
Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace exemplifies this transition from demonstration to business. After making history with the suborbital launch of its Vikram-S rocket, the company successfully launched its first orbital-class vehicle, Vikram-1, in July 2026, deploying customer payloads into low Earth orbit. This was a crucial proof-of-concept, demonstrating India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle. The success was not just technical; it was commercial. Shortly after, in August 2026, Skyroot signed a significant multi-launch agreement with HEX20, a Kerala-based company, for three dedicated missions starting in late 2027. This contract, its first major commercial deal, will support HEX20's satellite constellation and includes rideshare options for other clients, officially marking Skyroot's entry into the commercial launch market.
Agnikul and Dhruva: Building the Broader Ecosystem
While Skyroot focuses on launch vehicles, other startups are carving out niches across the space value chain. Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos, which also operates India's first private launchpad, successfully tested its 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine in a suborbital flight in May 2024. The company is now developing its Agnibaan rocket for small satellite launches and is seeing increasing interest from international customers who want dedicated rides to orbit rather than sharing space on larger rockets. Meanwhile, Dhruva Space is a key player in satellite systems. The Hyderabad-based startup recently signed contracts worth over €5 million with France's Safran Space to supply critical systems for India's Space-Based Surveillance Phase-III (SBS-III) programme. This deal not only validates Dhruva's technology but also integrates a private Indian firm into a strategic national security project, highlighting a new level of public-private trust.
Pixxel: Selling Data from the Stars
The commercialisation isn't limited to hardware. Pixxel is a prime example of a company moving from building satellites to selling the valuable data they collect. After launching technology demonstration satellites, the company's operational Firefly constellation is now in orbit, providing high-resolution hyperspectral imagery. This type of data, which captures light beyond the visible spectrum, has commercial applications in agriculture, mining, and environmental monitoring. The company has transitioned to its commercial phase, building a global sales team to market its data and AI-powered analytics platform to clients worldwide. NASA's decision to acquire Pixxel's data for scientific research further underscores the commercial viability and quality of its services.
