- Why in news
- On 11 February 2026, the Government told the Lok Sabha that registered space start-ups have grown from 1 in 2014 to over 400, and listed the schemes and policies that supported them.
- What it is
- IN-SPACe is the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre, set up under the Department of Space in 2020. It is a single-window body that authorises and promotes private space activity. Private firms are called Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) and can use ISRO facilities and expertise through it.
- Start-up growth
- Registered space start-ups rose from 1 in 2014 to more than 400 now.
- Private sub-orbital launches
- Two private companies flew their launch vehicles to sub-orbital height, in November 2022 and May 2024.
- POEM
- The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module lets NGEs test the flightworthiness of their payloads in space. 25 payloads have flown or will fly on it.
- NGE satellites
- Six Indian NGEs have placed 18 satellites in orbit.
- IN-SPACe status
- IN-SPACe was created in 2020 as an autonomous agency under the Department of Space.
Don’t confuse with IN-SPACe vs NSIL: IN-SPACe authorises and promotes private space activity. NSIL is ISRO's commercial arm that handles the commercial side of ISRO's products and services.
Don’t confuse with IN-SPACe vs ISRO: ISRO builds and operates space systems. IN-SPACe is the regulator and promoter for private players.
Science and technology: 57 Prelims questions since 2013; most test the concept behind the news, not the news itself. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.
Why it matters
- Private participation can increase launch capacity and satellite services, and support self-reliance across the space value chain.
- Funds and clear rules can attract investment and create high-skill jobs.
Problems
- Start-ups need heavy capital and have long gestation periods.
- Regulatory and liability rules for private operators are still maturing.
Way forward
- Keep funding steady and simplify authorisations through a single window.
- Build demand through government anchor orders and PPP projects.
- 2026Mains GS3 · Q12How startups promote innovation and employment; global and domestic challenges, measures
- 2016Mains GS2 · Q10Critically examine the marginal role of non-state actors in governance
- 2026Prelims Q46Statements on IN-SPACe and private entities' role in India's space programme
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting topic on space sector reform; figures and lists, little for a statement to turn on.
Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.