Archive · 7 Sep 2026
ISRO Chief Urges Industry Push to Expand India’s Space Sector
India wants to grow its space program much faster.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said ISRO cannot build and launch all the needed satellites by itself.
India currently has 56 space assets, but may need 200 to 300 satellites in the next six or seven years.
The country also wants to increase launches to about 50 each year.
Private companies, startups, universities and investors are being asked to help.
About 450 space startups now work in India.
Indian companies already receive about 80% of the money spent on each rocket launch.
Pawan Goenka said private investment and cooperation with ISRO are helping the industry grow.
The Bengaluru Space Expo brought together groups to discuss these plans.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said India needs industry, startups and academia to help build and launch 200 to 300 satellites within six to seven years.
India currently has 56 space assets, while the country needs about 50 launches annually to meet its ambitions.
Around 450 Indian startups now operate in the space sector, up from one in 2014, according to Pawan Goenka.
Indian industries receive about 80% of the budget for each rocket launch, Narayanan said.
More than $160 million in private capital has entered India’s space sector this year, according to IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka.
- Who
- ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka, Indian industry, startups, academia and investors.
- What
- Indian space officials called for greater private-sector and academic participation to expand satellite production, launches and the broader space economy.
- When
- September 7; the report refers to the 9th Bengaluru Space Expo 2026.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
- Why
- India needs substantially more satellites and launches than ISRO can provide alone and wants companies to serve global markets.
- Current space assets
- India has 56 space assets serving from space.
- Satellite requirement
- Narayanan said 200 to 300 satellites may need to be built and launched within six to seven years.
- Annual launch target
- India needs about 50 launches per year, according to Narayanan.
- Space startups
- Around 450 startups currently operate in India’s space sector.
- Private investment
- More than $160 million in private capital entered the sector during the year, according to Goenka.
- Industry share of launch budgets
- About 80% of a rocket launch budget goes to Indian industries, Narayanan said.
- Key government bodies
- IN-SPACe authorizes private space activities, while NewSpace India Limited supports commercialisation.