Coming years will cement India as a key node in the global space economy

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW PAWAN GOENKA, chairman, IN-SPACE

- BY ABHINAV SINGH

What has been the most encouraging development in the private sector since the inception of IN-SPACE?

Several developments stand out, but three in particular. First, launch vehicle progress—Skyroot, Agnikul, HAL's SSLV programme. Our vision is to make India a global hub for small satellite launch, supported by the upcoming spaceport in Tamil Nadu's Kulasekarapattinam.

Second, space situational awareness (SSA)—Digantara is doing pioneering work in this area. Globally, very few companies operate at that level, and their progress places India among serious players in SSA.

Third, the National Earth Observation Constellation being led by Pixxel consortium, marking India's first private earth observation constellation. There is promising work in optical and SAR payloads, too, such as Galaxy's fused electro-optical system and Ananth Technologies' communication satellite project.

How has the ISRO-private industry relationship evolved?

ISRO has always engaged with private industry, but it was largely vendor-based—companies supplying components and subsystems. With IN-SPACe as a facilitator, the relationship has matured. Private firms are developing technologies, launching satellites and monetising them independently. ISRO continues to offer infrastructure, testing facilities and technical know-how, all coordinated through IN-SPACe. Over 100 technologies have been transferred to industry so far, including SSLV to HAL.

With major transfers like SSLV, how do you see the technology transfer strategy evolving? Will core technologies also move to industry over time?