New Delhi, India: India is moving ahead with a public-private partnership (PPP) framework for Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellations, with the first fully commercial indigenous constellation approved under the model expected to involve an investment of more than ₹1,200 crore.
The framework, formulated by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), is aimed at expanding India’s space-based observation capabilities while increasing private-sector participation in satellite manufacturing, launches, data services and downstream applications.
Under the initiative, non-government entities, including private companies, startups and eligible academic and research institutions, can design, build, own and operate EO satellite constellations. The proposed activities cover satellite manufacturing, launch services, ground infrastructure, data generation, downstream applications and research partnerships.
The first approved project involves the Allied Orbits Private Limited consortium, led by PixxelSpace India and including Dhruva Space, PierSight Space and Satsure Analytics India. The consortium will develop and operate a 12-satellite constellation featuring panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capabilities.
The project is expected to involve investment of more than ₹1,200 crore, with the constellation targeted for development and operationalisation by 2029. The satellites are to be manufactured domestically and launched using Indian launch vehicles, with mission control based in India.
The government has also outlined financial and institutional measures to encourage private investment in EO and allied space activities. These include the ₹1,000-crore Antriksh Venture Capital Fund, technology adoption support, seed funding, common technical facilities, technology transfers from ISRO and facilitation through IN-SPACe.
The satellite network is expected to support applications including disaster management, agricultural monitoring, climate observation, urban planning and border surveillance. The initiative is also intended to strengthen domestic manufacturing, create skilled employment and reduce dependence on foreign satellite imagery.
The PPP framework operates within the broader Indian Space Policy 2023, with the private sector positioned as a key driver of manufacturing and downstream innovation while the government retains roles as an enabler, regulator and potential anchor customer.
Source: This article is based on an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau, Department of Space, Government of India
Press Release Page | Press Information Bureau
