The Policy That Changed Everything
The game-changer was the Indian Space Policy 2023. This policy officially invited private companies to participate in end-to-end space activities. The goal is to grow India's share of the global space economy from an estimated $8.4 billion to a target
of $44 billion by 2033. To manage this new ecosystem, the government established the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). Think of IN-SPACe as a single-window agency to promote, authorise, and supervise the work of Non-Government Entities (NGEs), from building launch vehicles to operating satellites.
ISRO’s New Mission: Research and Exploration
This doesn't mean ISRO is taking a backseat. On the contrary, its role is becoming more focused. The new policy directs ISRO to transition away from routine manufacturing and operational tasks. Instead, it will concentrate on what it does best: advanced research and development, deep-space exploration missions, human spaceflight, and national security projects. Recent statements from ISRO have clarified that this is not privatisation but an expansion of the entire space ecosystem. The organisation will hand-hold the private sector by sharing facilities and transferring mature technologies, allowing it to focus on the next frontier while industry handles scaled production.
Meet the New Astronauts of Industry
The result has been an explosion of private space startups. As of mid-2025, India had more than 300 space startups, a number that has grown rapidly from just a handful in 2020. These companies are not just suppliers to ISRO; they are building their own rockets, satellite constellations, and data platforms. Key players include Skyroot Aerospace, which launched India's first privately developed rocket, and Agnikul Cosmos, known for its 3D-printed rocket engines. Others like Pixxel are building constellations of hyperspectral imaging satellites, while Dhruva Space offers satellite manufacturing and launch services. There are also companies like SatSure, which don't build hardware but analyse satellite data for industries like agriculture and finance.
The Jobs of Tomorrow, Today
This new landscape has created a demand for a wide array of roles beyond traditional aerospace engineering. While rocket scientists and propulsion engineers are still very much needed, private firms are also hiring aggressively for other specialisations. Satellite data analysts, who use Python and machine learning to interpret data for climate science or urban planning, are in high demand. Aerospace software engineers who code the flight systems and mission controls are crucial. The ecosystem also needs experts in non-technical roles, including space law, policy, business development, and finance.
Skills to Reach for the Stars
For those aspiring to join this sector, a strong foundation in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, electronics, computer science) remains the most common entry point. However, skills are becoming just as important as degrees. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, C++, and MATLAB is broadly applicable across both hardware and software roles. Data literacy—the ability to work with large datasets from satellite telemetry—is a fast-growing requirement. At private startups, there is a high value placed on hands-on experience, problem-solving ability, and systems thinking, which is the understanding of how all parts of a complex mission fit together. These companies often have fast-paced, high-ownership cultures where engineers are expected to be versatile.
