Dr Jitendra Singh reviews plan to set up Space laboratories in Universities and Colleges across India

📌 Summary:

• Dr Jitendra Singh reviewed plans to set up Space laboratories in universities and colleges across India; 7 labs to be established in the first phase covering satellite systems, rocketry, and mission design

• India's private space ecosystem has grown from single-digit startups in 2019 to over 400 by early 2026, active across launch vehicles, satellite manufacturing, ground infrastructure, data services, and in-orbit segments

• Private sector space investment crossed USD 600 million in the past five years following the opening of the sector to non-government entities

• Key government support mechanisms: ₹1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund (with SIDBI) for growth-stage startups; ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund for early-stage innovations; seed fund grants up to ₹1 crore for ideation/prototype stage

• 17 specialised training programmes completed with nearly 900 participants certified in satellite manufacturing, launch vehicle systems, and space cybersecurity

• Infrastructure push: privately-led Earth Observation satellite constellation under PPP model; shared satellite bus platform for startups; IN-SPACe Technical Centre in Ahmedabad for design, integration and testing

• SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) technology transfer to industry progressing with industry participation

• IN-SPACe has received over 1,000 applications and granted 129 authorisations; India has space partnerships with 45+ countries including Singapore and UAE

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 – Science & Technology: India's space sector reforms, IN-SPACe, private sector participation, government schemes for space startups; links to Viksit Bharat 2047

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Space startups: single digit (2019) → 400+ (early 2026)

• Private space investment: USD 600 million in 5 years

• ₹1,000 crore VC Fund with SIDBI for space startups

• ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund

• IN-SPACe Technical Centre located in Ahmedabad

🔑 Key Term: IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre): Autonomous body under Department of Space that promotes, regulates and authorises space activities by private entities in India