Introduction The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has taken a major step towards strengthening India’s earth observation (EO) capabilities by shortlisting six out of nine bidders for a constellation of EO satellites. This ambitious INR 1,500 Cr project is aimed at improving satellite-based imaging and data collection for various applications, including disaster management, agriculture, and national security.
Shortlisted Bidders According to reports, the selected bidders include:
- A consortium of SatSure, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, and PierSight
- A consortium of Ananth Technologies, Solar Group, and XDLINX
- A consortium of Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Sisir Radar
- Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL)
- Centum Electronics
These firms have been chosen from an initial pool of 30 applicants that expressed interest in the project when IN-SPACe invited bids in July 2023.
Next Steps & Financial Considerations
- IN-SPACe has issued a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) to the shortlisted applicants.
- The final date for submitting financial bids is March 31, 2025.
- The winning consortium will receive a government grant of up to INR 350 Cr to help fund the project but must repay this amount over the operational period of the satellite constellation.
Encouraging Private Sector Participation This development is part of India’s broader strategy to boost private sector participation in space technology. Recent initiatives include:
- Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) – A INR 500 Cr fund introduced to support Indian space startups in technology development and scaling production.
- Space VC Fund – In October 2024, the Union Cabinet approved a INR 1,000 Cr venture capital fund to help finance space startups. The fund is expected to be operational by FY26.
The Growing Indian Space Economy India’s spacetech sector has seen a surge in private players in recent years. With continued support from the government, the country’s space economy is expected to reach $44 billion by 2030, making it a key global player in satellite development and space technology innovation.
Conclusion The shortlisting of bidders for the EO satellite project marks a significant milestone in India’s space industry. With strong government backing and increasing private sector participation, India is positioning itself as a leader in earth observation and commercial space technology. The coming months will be crucial as the final selection process unfolds, paving the way for a new era of satellite-powered insights and innovation.
