By Staff Correspondent
In an era where technological evolution meets celestial exploration, the boundaries of space exploration are continually expanding. Much of this momentum is driven by the “New Space Economy,” a term that describes the rapid infusion of private investment into the cosmos. And emerging prominently on this frontier is India, with its rich tapestry of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) legacy and an effervescent startup ecosystem.
The New Space Economy
Historically, space exploration was the prerogative of national agencies – The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Roscosmos, ISRO, to name a few. However, the recent decade has witnessed a change in basic assumptions signaling the onset of the “New Space Economy.”
Over the years, space, once a domain governed by nation-states, has become increasingly democratised. The ‘New Space Economy’ epitomises this transition. Traditional aerospace behemoths have made way for a myriad of startups. The winds first began to change direction when commercial entities, primarily focused on communications via geostationary orbit, entered the arena.
The pace of the shift noticed the back of several factors, including:
- The rising popularity of the launch rideshare model, democratising access to space.
- Affordability of satellites that helped overcome the limitations of conventional high-cost, high-risk models.
- Satellite constellations that promise enhanced coverage.
- Venture Capitalists spotting potential goldmines in startups like SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Spire.
- Satellite engineers have started leveraging commercial off-the-shelf components, birthing state-of-the-art satellites at a fraction of previous costs.
Further, through Falcon 9, SpaceX presented a game-changing solution by drastically cutting launch costs and amplifying frequency. This revolution propelled engineers to employ commercial automotive parts in satellite manufacturing, a move that, though potentially riskier, yields high-performance outputs. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations offer superior coverage, paving the way for innovations and frequent replacements.
Global Market Dynamics: Avenues in The New Space Economy
The transformation in the space sector, helmed by private entities, has become visceral the world over. According to a European Space Policy Institute Report, investments outside traditional powerhouses (United States, Europe, China, and Japan) saw a staggering 3,379% surge from 2019 to 2022, reflecting the global traction of the New Space Economy.
From launch services to satellite manufacturing, several startups are carving niches:
Launch: Once monopolised by nations, over ninety startups contribute to this segment. While the US leads with SpaceX and Blue Origin, India’s Skyroot Aerospace taps into the legacy of ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Earth Observation: Companies like Planet and Satellogic capitalise on optical imagery, while ICEYE harnesses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). Google-backed Indian startup Pixxel is exploring the potential of hyperspectral imaging.
Communications: With LEO constellations at the helm, ventures like SpaceX’s Starlink and Bharti Airtel’s OneWeb envision global internet coverage. However, the adoption rate of Earth Observation (EO) data has yet to match predictions, prompting a shift from mere data collection to creating comprehensive space data-based products.
Europe and the US have been at the epicenter of these transformations. However, an unanticipated protagonist has emerged from the East: India. Marrying ISRO’s deep-rooted expertise with the vigor of its spacetech startups, India is carving a unique niche in the global space panorama.
India: A Galactic Force to Reckon With
India’s space journey, crystallised by ISRO’s accomplishments, has recently been bolstered by a spacetech startup wave. Companies like Bellatrix Aerospace, Agnikul, Dhruva Space, and Pixxel among others are transforming everything from propulsion systems and rocket launches to hyperspectral imaging.
The Indian government’s progressive policies, such as the 2020 Spacecom Policy, further energise this domain. It is evident that as the New Space Economy flourishes globally, the combined strength of ISRO and the various dynamic space tech startups in India will play a significant role in scripting the next chapter of space exploration.
The New Space Economy promises more than just celestial conquests. It hints at an intertwined future where governmental agencies and private ventures collaboratively unlock the universe’s mysteries. For India, this narrative is shaping up as a harmonious blend of legacy and innovation.
ISRO: Anchoring India’s Astral Aspirations
ISRO, since its inception, has been the linchpin of India’s space endeavors. With seminal missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, the agency has not just bolstered India’s socio-economic fabric but has also entrenched its position in the global space elite.
Spotlight: India’s Spacetech Vanguards
The recent years have witnessed a cavalcade of Indian startups setting their sights skywards. These firms, diverse in their objectives and technologies, collectively bolster India’s position in the New Space Economy.
- Aadyah Aerospace: Pioneering the integration of AI with space tech, Aadyah is poised to redefine satellite navigation.
- Agnikul: Birthed in the intellectual crucible of IIT Madras, Agnikul’s vision revolves around on-demand rocket launches.
- Astrogate Labs: Endeavoring to establish a cutting-edge optical communication matrix, Astrogate stands at the cusp of transforming satellite communications.
- Bellatrix Aerospace: Championing the cause of sustainable space travel, Bellatrix’s work in green propellants and electric propulsion has been considered groundbreaking.
- Dhruva Space: With a vision to democratise space, this Hyderabad-based startup offers comprehensive satellite solutions for a broad spectrum of clients.
- Digantara: By taking on the pressing challenge of space debris, Digantara promises a safer celestial neighborhood for future satellite missions.
- GalaxEye Space: Melding advanced imaging with satellite tech, GalaxEye’s multi-sensor imagery holds transformative potential.
- InspeCity: Embarking on the untrodden path of satellite servicing, InspeCity envisions a future of extended satellite lifespans.
- Kawa Space: With a focus on high-resolution Earth observation, Kawa Space is poised to become an invaluable asset for myriad sectors.
- Newspace Research & Technologies: Pioneering next-gen aerospace solutions, Newspace’s work in High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) is revolutionary.
- Omnipresent Robot Technologies: Their novel lunar navigation software is indicative of the firm’s capability for more interplanetary marvels.
- Pixxel: With a focus on hyperspectral imaging, Pixxel’s satellites promise a seismic shift in EO.
- SatSure: Harnessing satellite data, SatSure delivers decision intelligence, impacting a plethora of sectors, from agriculture to insurance.
- Skyroot: Fresh off their landmark achievement of launching India’s first privately built launch vehicle, Vikram S in 2022, Skyroot is now committed to democratising space access.
- Vasundhara Geo Technologies: Specialising in satellite data acquisition and analytics, Vasundhara is reshaping industries one pixel at a time.
Framing The Future
With propitious policies like the 2020 Spacecom Policy, India’s space arena is teeming with promise. The dynamic interplay between ISRO’s institutional wisdom and the innovative spirit of startups suggests an astral trajectory that is unparalleled. As the New Space Economy unfurls its full potential, India, with its formidable blend of legacy and innovation, is indisputably poised for a leadership role.
