India’s private space industry has received a fresh boost, with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) offering ₹67.15 crore to four Indian startups developing critical technologies for satellites and spacecraft. The selected companies are Manastu Space Technologies, InspeCity Space Laboratories, VyomIC and MumbaiSemi.
The funding targets four areas: satellite propulsion, in-orbit refuelling, precision timing systems for deep-space navigation, and chips compatible with both GPS and India’s NavIC navigation system. The initiative is intended to strengthen domestic capabilities, reduce dependence on imported space technologies and create opportunities for Indian companies in the global space market.
Key Takeaways
- IN-SPACe has offered a combined ₹67.15 crore to four Indian space startups.
- Manastu Space Technologies will receive ₹22.08 crore for an iodine-fuelled satellite engine.
- InspeCity Space Laboratories has been offered ₹21.18 crore for technology supporting satellite refuelling in orbit.
- VyomIC will receive ₹12.55 crore to develop precision clocks for deep-space navigation.
- MumbaiSemi has been offered ₹11.34 crore to develop chips compatible with GPS and NavIC.
- The initiative aims to strengthen India’s domestic space technology ecosystem.
- IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka highlighted self-reliance and export opportunities as key objectives.
IN-SPACe Announces ₹67.15 Crore Support for Four Startups
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre announced the funding initiative on October 31, 2026.
The four selected companies will work on technologies that address important challenges in India’s growing space industry.
Rather than focusing only on satellite launches, the initiative targets specialised components and systems that can make space missions more efficient, affordable and independent of foreign suppliers.
Startup-wise funding allocation
| Startup | Funding offered | Technology focus |
|---|---|---|
| Manastu Space Technologies | ₹22.08 crore | Iodine-fuelled satellite propulsion |
| InspeCity Space Laboratories | ₹21.18 crore | In-orbit satellite refuelling technology |
| VyomIC | ₹12.55 crore | Precision clocks for deep-space navigation |
| MumbaiSemi | ₹11.34 crore | GPS and NavIC-compatible chips |
| Total | ₹67.15 crore | Indigenous space technologies |
The funding amounts represent the support offered to the selected companies. They should not automatically be interpreted as money already disbursed.
1. Manastu Space to Develop an Iodine-Fuelled Satellite Engine
<text weight=”semibold” color=”default”>Funding offered: ₹22.08 crore</text>
<text weight=”semibold” color=”default”>Technology: Iodine-fuelled propulsion</text>
Manastu Space Technologies will receive ₹22.08 crore to develop an iodine-fuelled engine for small satellites.
Satellite propulsion systems are essential for changing a spacecraft’s orbit, maintaining its position and carrying out manoeuvres during a mission.
Traditional propulsion systems often use chemical propellants or other specialised fuels. Manastu’s project focuses on iodine, which offers potential advantages in storage and handling.
Iodine can be stored in solid form, potentially reducing some of the complexity associated with storing conventional liquid propellants.
The technology could help make propulsion systems more compact and affordable for small satellites.
This is particularly relevant as satellite operators increasingly deploy constellations containing multiple spacecraft that require regular orbital adjustments.
2. InspeCity to Work on Satellite Refuelling in Space
<text weight=”semibold” color=”default”>Funding offered: ₹21.18 crore</text>
<text weight=”semibold” color=”default”>Technology: In-orbit refuelling</text>
InspeCity Space Laboratories has been offered ₹21.18 crore to develop technology that could eventually enable satellites to refuel while operating in space.
Most satellites have a limited operational lifespan because they carry a finite amount of fuel.
Once their propellant runs out, they may no longer be able to perform important orbital adjustments or maintain their intended positions.
In-orbit refuelling could change this limitation by allowing spacecraft to receive additional fuel after launch.
The technology could potentially extend satellite lifetimes, reduce the need to replace spacecraft and improve the economics of long-term space missions.
However, satellite refuelling remains technically challenging. It requires precise navigation, docking, fluid-transfer systems and reliable spacecraft coordination.
InspeCity’s project is aimed at developing capabilities that could contribute to this emerging market.
3. VyomIC to Develop Precision Clocks for Deep-Space Navigation
<text weight=”semibold” color=”default”>Funding offered: ₹12.55 crore</text>
<text weight=”semibold” color=”default”>Technology: High-precision timing systems</text>
VyomIC will receive ₹12.55 crore to develop highly accurate clocks for deep-space navigation.
Precise timing is a fundamental requirement for satellite navigation and spacecraft communication.
Navigation systems rely on accurately measuring the time taken by signals to travel between satellites and receivers.
Even small timing errors can translate into significant positioning inaccuracies.
For deep-space missions, accurate clocks are especially important because spacecraft operate over enormous distances and cannot always depend on immediate instructions from Earth.
Developing indigenous precision timing systems could help India strengthen its capabilities in satellite navigation, spacecraft positioning and advanced communication technologies.
4. MumbaiSemi to Develop GPS and NavIC-Compatible Chips
<text weight=”semibold” color=”default”>Funding offered: ₹11.34 crore</text>
<text weight=”semibold” color=”default”>Technology: Multi-system satellite navigation chips</text>
MumbaiSemi has been offered ₹11.34 crore to develop semiconductor chips compatible with both GPS and India’s NavIC navigation system.
GPS is the satellite navigation system operated by the United States, while NavIC is India’s regional navigation satellite system.
NavIC was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation to provide positioning, navigation and timing services over India and surrounding regions.
A chip capable of working with both systems could give device manufacturers greater flexibility in navigation-related applications.
Potential uses include:
- Satellite navigation receivers.
- Automotive positioning systems.
- Industrial tracking equipment.
- Communication and timing infrastructure.
- Navigation devices used in specialised applications.
The project is also relevant to India’s semiconductor ambitions. Developing specialised chips domestically could reduce dependence on imported components and strengthen the local supply chain for space and navigation equipment.
Why Is India Investing in Private Space Startups?
India’s space industry has traditionally been dominated by government institutions, particularly ISRO.
However, the government has gradually opened the sector to private companies, allowing them to participate in satellite manufacturing, launch vehicles, ground infrastructure and space-based services.
IN-SPACe was established to promote, authorise and facilitate private-sector participation in India’s space activities.
The funding for the four startups is part of a broader effort to build domestic capabilities in specialised space technologies.
The government wants Indian companies to develop technologies that can serve both domestic missions and international customers.
This approach could also create opportunities for private companies to supply components and services to ISRO and commercial satellite operators.
IN-SPACe’s Pawan Goenka Highlights Self-Reliance and Export Potential
IN-SPACe Chairman Dr. Pawan Goenka said the investments are important for reducing India’s reliance on foreign technologies and expanding the country’s ability to export space systems.
The projects address technology gaps that are important for the long-term development of the Indian space economy.
For example, indigenous propulsion systems could support satellite manufacturers, while navigation chips and precision clocks could strengthen India’s broader electronics and semiconductor ecosystem.
In-orbit refuelling technology could also open opportunities in the emerging market for satellite servicing.
The broader objective is to develop Indian companies that can compete internationally rather than relying primarily on imported systems.
India’s Space Startup Ecosystem Is Growing
The latest funding announcement comes as India’s private space industry attracts increasing investment.
According to government information presented in Parliament in August 2026:
- Around 440 space-technology startups are registered on the DPIIT Start-up India portal.
- IN-SPACe had granted 113 authorisations to 52 non-government entities.
- Eighteen of those authorised entities were startups.
- Cumulative investment in Indian space startups reached approximately $618.5 million by March 31, 2026.
The government has introduced several initiatives to support the sector.
| Government initiative | Financial allocation | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme | ₹65 crore | Early-stage startup support |
| Venture Capital Fund | ₹1,000 crore | Investment in space startups |
| Technology Adoption Fund | ₹500 crore | Development and commercialisation of space technologies |
| Satellite Bus as a Service | ₹75 crore | Development of indigenous satellite platforms |
| Common Technical Facilities | ₹500 crore | Shared infrastructure for testing and development |
These initiatives are intended to address different stages of the space technology development cycle, from early research and development to commercialisation.
How These Four Projects Could Strengthen India’s Space Industry
The four projects address different parts of the space technology supply chain.
| Technology | Potential benefit for India |
|---|---|
| Iodine propulsion | More affordable propulsion options for small satellites |
| In-orbit refuelling | Potentially longer satellite operating lifetimes |
| Precision clocks | Better navigation and timing capabilities |
| GPS and NavIC chips | Greater domestic semiconductor capability |
Together, these technologies could help Indian companies develop more complete space systems using locally developed components.
They could also create opportunities for collaboration between startups, research institutions, semiconductor manufacturers and established aerospace companies.
However, funding is only an initial step. Each project must demonstrate technical performance, reliability and commercial viability before it can become a widely used product.
The Bigger Picture
India’s space ambitions are increasingly moving beyond launching satellites and operating government missions. The country is trying to build a complete commercial ecosystem covering propulsion, spacecraft servicing, navigation, semiconductors and satellite applications.
The ₹67.15 crore allocation is relatively small compared with the overall cost of developing a space industry, but it targets important technology gaps. If the four startups successfully develop and commercialise their systems, they could contribute to India’s goal of becoming a more self-reliant supplier of space technologies.
Looking Ahead
The immediate focus will be on how the four startups use the funding to develop, test and validate their technologies. Propulsion systems, satellite refuelling equipment, precision clocks and navigation chips must meet demanding performance and reliability requirements before they can be deployed in operational missions.
The longer-term opportunity lies in commercialisation. Indian space companies will need to demonstrate that their technologies can compete on cost, performance and reliability in international markets. Successful projects could strengthen domestic supply chains, support ISRO missions and create new export opportunities for India’s growing space industry.
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