India’s Ascendance – A Global Space Power
India has rapidly grown as a leading space power over the past two decades through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and an expanding private sector. With plans to increase its share of the global space economy to $47.3 billion by 2032, India is opening new opportunities by allowing 100% foreign direct investment in satellite manufacturing and easing regulations for launch vehicles. ISRO produces most of its core space components in-house, but also collaborates with private companies like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos for small launch vehicle development, and relies on international partners for advanced solar panels and scientific instruments. Challenges hindering deeper international cooperation include differences in space budgets, strategic priorities, the divide between commercial and government-led space initiatives, and limited data sharing. This paper examines India’s space program in the global context, as well as identifying key areas where Australia can engage with India, such as satellite technology, space situational awareness, space science missions, human spaceflight, and commercial ventures. Joint efforts could address shared challenges like climate monitoring, space debris management, and space infrastructure development while fostering innovation in both nations' growing space industries. By leveraging each other's strengths, India and Australia can improve their roles in the global space economy, establishing both as vital contributors to future space exploration and technological advancement.
India has emerged as a major player in the global space ecosystem, showcasing remarkable achievements in space technology and exploration. Recently, India demonstrated a historical event by landing on the moon's south pole, making it the first nation to do so. India has also achieved significant milestones in missions to the Moon and Mars, anti-satellite weapon capability, and a robust Earth observation and navigation program with a relatively low budget.
These missions and capabilities have triggered different responses, especially in the West, with many questioning its utility in a country still facing developmental challenges. In the past decade, India has moved from the views of others and is reflecting nations' broader strategic ambitions.
The Mckinsey report (2024) predicts that the global space economy will grow from US $ 630 billion in 2023 to $1.8 trillion by 2035. India currently contributes 2% (8.1 billion), intending to increase it by 8%(44 billion) by 2035. The government's drive for technological self-reliance through initiatives like ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Antarikshmein Atmanirbhar’ aims to enhance private sector participation. This includes government policies that encourage 100 per cent foreign direct investment and the establishment of a regulatory framework to create new government institutions. These efforts are part of India’s goal to capture a larger share of the global space economy.
The Indian space industry hit a deregulation wave in 2020, opening doors for private space companies by establishing government agencies to regulate the commercial market and improve Foreign Direct investments. This shift encouraged innovation and attracted investment, which fueled the growth of new startups. Interestingly, the number of startups in the space sector has increased significantly from a mere 54 in 2020, before the creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), to over 200 in 2024. Out of the total funding of $410.79 million the space sector received until June 2024, approximately 89 per cent was secured in the last four years. India’s commercial space ecosystem comprises over 450 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and 50 large companies.
Demonstrating massive capabilities in space fosters increased international collaboration for India. By 2024, ISRO had 226 agreements with 54 countries and 5 multinational bodies to enhance upstream, midstream and downstream activities by creating platforms for the inflow of international expertise in emerging areas and crafting commercial opportunities. India and Australia have also signed an Implementing Arrangement (IA) relating to cooperation on Establishing and Operating Transportable Telemetry Terminals on Cocos Island, Australia, for the human space flight mission (Gaganyaan).
This paper examines India's space program, focusing on its historical evolution, organisational structure, recent strategic shifts, and increasing international collaborations. It also delves into the burgeoning partnership between India and Australia, highlighting the potential for both nations to leverage their complementary strengths and contribute meaningfully to the global space economy. By examining the challenges and opportunities ahead, this paper aims to provide valuable insights into the future trajectory of India's space program and its implications for international cooperation.
Overview of the Indian space sector
India's space program, established in 1962 with INCOSPAR and formalised with ISRO in 1969, is driven by the vision of applying advanced technologies to socio-economic problems. Under the Prime Minister's Office, the DOS (Department of Space) oversees the program, with the Space Commission advising on policy. ISRO is the primary space technology research and development agency for designing and launching satellites and missions. Key ISRO centers include VSSC (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram), which focuses on launch vehicle development; LPSC (Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Thiruvananthapuram), specialising in liquid propulsion; SDSC SHAR (Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota), India's primary launch site; and URSC (U R Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru), responsible for satellite design and development. SAC (Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad) focuses on the development and application of space technology, NRSC (National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad) for acquisition and processing remote sensing data, and HSFC (Human Space Flight Centre, Bangalore) for dedication to the Gaganyaan mission.
To encourage private sector involvement, IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center, Ahmedabad) promotes and regulates commercial space activities and acts as a key government arm for private player participation. NSIL (NewSpace India Limited, Bengaluru) is ISRO's commercial arm, marketing its technologies and services. The role of ACL (Antrix Corporation Limited, Bengaluru) was significant from 1991 when India liberalised its policies for commercialisation. It no longer operates in the same manner as it did after NSIL. The ISRO Council is a high-level body that provides strategic guidance and recommendations to ISRO's leadership. PRL (Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad), NARL (National Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Tirupathi), and NE-SAC (North Eastern-Space Applications Centre, Meghalaya) are autonomous bodies involved in planetary science and exploration and atmospheric research and provide developmental support to the North Eastern Region, respectively. IIST (Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram) is Asia’s first space university, established at Thiruvananthapuram in 2007. This comprehensive framework underscores India’s commitment to advancing its space capabilities and leveraging space technology for national development and global collaboration.
Conceptualisation phase (1962- 1972)
In 1962, the Indian government decided to establish the Indian National Committee on Space Research (INCOSPAR), the counterpart of the Committee for Space Research (COSPAR) of the United Nations, which was created under the leadership of Vikram A. Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program. In the same year, the Scientific and Technical Sub-committee of the United Nations urged the creation of the International Equatorial Sounding Rocket Launching facility. Under the UN sponsorship, Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) was established in Thiruvananthapuram, India, close to the equator. On November 21, 1963, a two-stage sounding rocket, ‘Nike- Apache’, manufactured by the United States, was launched from TERLS, marking the beginning of Space exploration in India. From 1962 to 1975, more than 300 sounding rockets from the U.S., France, Soviet, and British nations were launched from the Thumba range in South India. After this, India decided to build other basic infrastructure like the Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station (ESCES)(currently named SAC), Space Science and Technology Centre (SSTC), Rocket Propellant Plant (RPP), and the Rocket Fabrication Facility (RFF).
In 1969, when the government saw the space program growing, INCOSPAR was reconstituted, and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was formed under the Department of Energy (DAE). In 1972, a separate Department of Space (DOS) was created to coordinate the country’s space-related activities and develop its aerospace capabilities, marking a significant milestone.
Sarabhai advocated for strong domestic R&D efforts with imported technology to close the technology gap in India. The initial R&D focused on satellite meteorology and satellite communication because of India’s agriculture-based economy and acute food shortages due to droughts. Later, he planned the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) in collaboration with NASA. Sarabhai planned to create the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) with the cooperation of Indian engineers and foreign scientists, and later, it built the prototype satellite using imported components. He wanted Indian experts to go abroad and learn the skill. During this time, the foreign exchange crisis, droughts, and war with Pakistan and China negatively affected the national economic condition. So, the national strategy aimed to achieve self-reliance in science and technology, which India continues. Sarabhai’s plan and leadership to build indigenous capability led to many international collaborations with NASA, the USSR Hydrometeorological Services (HMS), the Centre Nationale d’ Etudes Spatiales (CNES) in France, the Institute of Space and Aeronautical Sciences at Tokyo University, and with the Science Research Council and the British Meteorological Office in the UK.
Demonstration Phase (1972-1984)
After the initial phase, the Indian space programme focused on experiments and low-capacity projects. ISRO, with foreign assistance, built the Bhaskara earth observation satellite and the Apple-communication satellite and conducted four flight tests of its SLV-3 satellite launch vehicle. A policy for technological transfer and industrial development was introduced in the mid-1970s, which included space division in industry, production of several components of space systems, building specialised test equipment and ground facilities by the industry, and support for innovative space applications.
During this time, ISRO realised its quest for industry partners. Satish Dhawan, chairman of ISRO, created a group of coordinators with the industry and various space centres to speed up the technological transfer process. Within 5 years, nearly 230 public and private sectors were successfully involved and entered into contracts worth Rs.110 million. By 1992, over 500 firms were working for the space program, representing Rs 4.9 billion, about 51% of the DOS budget. By 2002, ISRO had transferred over 250 technologies to the industry and undertaken over 185 technical consultancy projects. Learning acquired from Indigenous and international collaborations led to a diverse organisational structure of ISRO, such as establishing a project management council for directors and a project management board for engineers.
From the mid-1980s, ISRO focused on more capable missions and was involved in building the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and its successor, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). The vehicle was designed to launch the indigenously developed India Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite and telecommunication Indian National Satellite (INSAT). ISRO took a holistic approach to rockets and satellites via Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT). The Indian space program during this time was emerging from its developing stages. It was ready to join the ranks of the world’s five advanced space agencies with GEO capability.
Commercial Phase (1990s)
It is no secret that two dominant space players, the US and the USSR, evolved and grew due to the enormous military expenditure during the Cold War. Military space programmes created technological strength in the industry to spin off commercial products and services. In contrast, India focused on non-military space endeavours, which did not facilitate early commercial efforts in space.
Decades of industrial consolidation of technological transfer constraints and dual use of space systems ended with the Cold War. The commercial aspect of the Indian Space Program began when India introduced the economic liberalisation policy in 1991. Following this, ISRO decided to offer space services on the international market. For this, various private companies were manufacturing parts for ISRO, such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BHEL) for supplying control and guidance equipment, the Godrej and Boyce firm for producing liquid-fuel engines, and the Indian Institute of Science (IIS) for research on solid and hybrid fuel propulsion and air-breathing systems.
In 1992, the Antrix Corporation was established to serve as the commercial arm of India's space agency. Its responsibilities included transferring technologies, providing technical and financial consultation, and accelerating partnerships with private industries. Intergovernmental systems such as Intelsat and Inmarsat were developed due to privatisation. Insat-1- 1B, an Indian communication satellite built by Ford Aerospace, was launched by the United States, where India paid $50 million in launch fees. It was the world's first satellite with three functions- telecommunications, weather forecasting and television broadcasting. Globalisation paved the way for free markets for space-based services and strict control of dual-use technology. ISRO’s technological transfer and industrial cooperation programme laid the foundation for India’s commercial space initiatives.
Recent transformation in the Indian space sector
On January 31, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi tweeted, “When it comes to the space sector, bet on India”, emphasising the political momentum propelling India’s space ambitions. BJP-led NDA had a landslide victory across the country in the Lok Sabha Elections 2014. This was the most significant victory since 1984 that a non-Congress party had won with a simple majority. Even the space sector has had significant changes in the past decade. Modi’s engagement with the space program has been a defining feature of his leadership. Since witnessing the PSLV-C23 launch on June 30, he has addressed and outlined his vision for the country's space program, translating it into concrete actions, including increased budgetary allocations, policy reforms, and a greater focus on international partnerships.
Expanding Horizons: Mars Orbiter Mission and Human Spaceflight Programme
In September 2014, India became the first Asian nation to successfully enter Mars' orbit on its first attempt after China’s failed mission in 2011. Mangalyaan, India's Mars orbiter mission, successfully entered Martian orbit after a tense 12-minute period when it was out of contact with Earth. Confirmation of this achievement came through signals received first at NASA's communication centre in Australia and then duly relayed to ISRO's own Deep Space Network. Social media at that time was abuzz. India spent US$ 74 million, around ten times less than the US$ 675 million NASA spent on its MAVEN around the same time and less than US $125 million budget of the Hollywood blockbuster Gravity. It is good to highlight the low cost of the Mangalyaan mission. Still, it should also be remembered that NASA’s MAVEN could manoeuvre with a much tighter orbit of 150 km by 6200 km, completing each orbit in just 4.5 hours, while Mangalyaan has 420 km by 76000 km orbit with 72 hours to complete one orbit. Therefore, rather than merely comparing budgets, it's more insightful to examine the differing capabilities of each mission. This achievement showcased India’s technological prowess and cost-effectiveness, generating considerable international acclaim. Further demonstrating its capabilities, India successfully launched the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle - Mk III in 2017. It placed the 3,136 kg communication satellite GSAT-19 into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The same year, India set a record by launching 104 satellites into orbit in a single mission, including 101 foreign satellites, highlighting India’s growing capabilities.
ISRO plans to add one more feather to its wings by announcing an Indigenous human spaceflight programme. After the erstwhile US, the USSR, and China, India could become the fourth country to send a man into space. The Gaganyaan mission will prepare India for critical technologies, such as human-related launch vehicles, life support systems, crew emergency escape provisions and training, and crew recovery and rehabilitation. IDRSS is a planned Indian constellation of inter-satellite communication to facilitate the relay of information between various Indian spacecraft, in-flight monitoring, and assistance in the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.
Shifting Priorities: National Security and Military Space Capabilities
While India's space program has traditionally focused on socio-economic benefits, there has been a notable shift towards national security applications. India has recently developed military space capabilities of space weapons, including the anti-satellite (ASAT) test, following China. In March 2019, India tested an anti-satellite weapon by destroying one of its old satellites, demonstrating its growing capacity in space technology and raising concerns among other nations about the potential for an arms race in outer space. Furthermore, India's space activities, along with the escalating tensions with Pakistan, contribute to increasing regional tension. The space sector of India in the 1980s and 1990s was morality- and sovereignty-driven. Today, India’s approach is driven more by national security. Some experts cast doubt on debris generated during ASAT missions. To answer this, the Ministry of External Affairs of India answered general questions about the test, including successful space debris management.
Addressing Criticisms
India’s mission to the Moon and Mars and its upcoming Human spaceflight mission have triggered different responses, especially in the West, with many questioning its utility in a country still facing developmental challenges. This perspective often reflects a colonial mindset that fails to recognise the multifaceted nature of the development and the potential of space technology to contribute to societal progress. It is crucial to understand that socio-economic developments are not exclusive. The space exploration mission raises the Indian space profile by bringing more international collaboration and technological benefits. India’s deep space communication capabilities are so much more significant today that it does not have to rely on space agencies.
Furthermore, space remains within the realm of the international community; global partnership will be the most likely outcome in the future, helping India establish itself more notably. India’s deep space mission has attracted numerous private players, which can significantly contribute to revenue generation and promote India’s role in the global space economy. Questioning space exploration missions has become obsolete, as space is emerging as a substantial market for international players to engage and participate, with India positioning itself among the top contenders.
Collaboration with the private sector
The Indian government's NewSpace initiative, launched in 2019, is broadly understood as the increasing involvement of private companies in the space industry. These companies, mainly those less reliant on government funding than traditional space firms, create a noticeable ecosystem when they develop new business models to compete with or enhance existing commercial space activities. India’s government has been gradually fostering an environment for new space that supports the participation of private players in this sector.
Until 2017, ISRO launched 3- 4 satellites a year. However, the demand increased to 16-17 satellites annually. ISRO issued a tender inviting private companies to handle the assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) of 30 to 40 satellites to meet this growing demand. Contracts were signed with Bharat Electronics, Alpha Design Technologies, its six consortium members, and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing India’s satellite capabilities and promoting collaboration with the private sector.
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) was established in 2019 as a commercial arm of ISRO to help commercialise its launch vehicle and other technologies in the global space market. In its inaugural year, NSIL reported a commendable profit of INR 5,129 lakh (US $5.86 million). Building on this success, the company experienced robust growth during the 2023-2024 fiscal year, achieving a profit of INR 59912 lakh (US $45.62 million). This upward trajectory highlights NSIL’s financial resilience and strategic market positioning, emphasising its effective operational management and the increasing demand for its services.
In 2020, following the ongoing need to introduce private companies in the space sector, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) was created as an autonomous body within the Department of Space (DoS). This body primarily serves as a link between the private and government sectors. As of January 2025, IN-SPACe has received 577 applications from start-ups, large industries, MSME and academic institutions. As a result of this amalgamation, a year later, the Indian Space Association (ISpA) was formed, uniting as the ‘voice of the industry.’ IN-SPACe has signed around 71 MoUs with Non-Government Entities (NGEs) to provide necessary support for the realisation of space systems and applications envisaged by such NGEs, which is expected to increase the industry participation in the manufacturing of launch vehicles and satellites. According to the Space-Tech Report 2021, the USA had the world's most significant number of space-tech companies, with 3000, and India was fifth with 365 companies, slightly ahead of China. This growing involvement underscores India's commitment to becoming a significant player in the global space economy.
Some of the key players in the current private sector of the space program are Skyroot Aerospace, established in 2018, focusing on cost-efficient launch vehicles. Its Vikram-S suborbital rocket launched on the 18th of November 2022 in its ‘Prarambh’ mission. It was the first rocket launched by an Indian private company. Bellatrix Aerospace primarily focuses on orbital manoeuvring. As of January of 2025, Bellatrix Aerospace, in partnership with ISRO, have successfully fired three consecutive green-mono-propellant propulsion packages, Rudra 1N, in orbit. Dhruva Space, another prominent player, provides full-stack space engineering solutions. It also focuses on providing Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS) after being authorised by IN-SPACe on the 15th of July, 2014. Agnikul Cosmos, established in 2016, pioneered the world's first flight using a single-piece 3D printed rocket engine with its Agnibaan SOrTeD. Furthermore, it aims to transform the satellite launching complexes with their innovative small satellites and global deploying systems. Pixxel is a Google-backed space data company building a constellation of hyperspectral earth imaging satellites to detect, monitor and predict global phenomena. The world's most advanced hyperspectral constellations have embarked on studying the Firefly constellation after its successful launch of its three satellites. It was launched via Exolaunch with the Transporter -12 ride share mission with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
Streamlining regulation
The India Space Policy 2023 offers a regulatory framework for greater private-sector participation. The policy demarcates the role of each stakeholder- ISRO, IN-SPACe, NSIL, and Non-Government Enterprises (NGEs). The Department of Space (DOS) has formulated draft policies on remote sensing in 2020 proposing to promote better data access to space-based remote sensing data, except "sensitive data and information," and participation from a wider variety of stakeholders. The policies mentioned above set a positive trajectory for the future of the Indian space programme. These initiatives not only promote self-reliance (Antariksh mein Aatmanirbharata) but also address the global demand of “Vocal for Local” and “Make for Global.” However, the India Space Policy 2023 must be more comprehensive for stronger legislation supporting innovation while protecting national and economic interests.
Financial injections
In line with the participation of non-government entities in 2020 and the Indian Space Policy in 2023, the Government of India amended the FDI policy in the space sector to provide a more conducive environment for domestic and international companies to collaborate and invest in India. Over the past 23 years, India has attracted US $919 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI). Nearly two-thirds (65%) of this total, amounting to $595.25 billion, flowed into the country in the last 9 years. This highlights a significant increase in FDI to India in recent years. Under the amendment, FDI of upto 100% is permitted under automatic route for manufacturing of components and subsystems of satellites, ground segment and user segment, 74% under automatic route; Government approval above 74% in satellite manufacturing and operations, satellite data products and ground segment and user segment, FDI upto 49%, is permitted under Automatic route for launch vehicle and associated systems or subsystems, creation of spaceports for launching and receiving spacecraft. The amendment is a positive step in attracting FDI in India, generating employment, and enabling modern technology.
In 2023, India’s space sector hit a funding peak of $130.2 million, a 32.9% rise from 2022, driven by initiatives supporting satellite technology, launch vehicles, and space exploration. Private investments in the sector have seen accelerated growth of 77 per cent in 2021-2022. However, a decline was seen in 2024 funding. Data from market intelligence platform Tracxn showed a drop in funding in the Indian Space Sector by 55% in 2024 to $59.1 million from $130.2 million the previous year. With global space investments down by 20%, India’s funding dip might look like a setback in its quest for a $44 billion private space economy. But India’s space goals remain ambitious. Responding to the drop in investment, the Indian government approved an INR 1000 crore (US$ 114 million) venture capital fund in October 2024 to support space startups, aiming to grow its share in the global commercial space. Space companies globally raised about $28 billion over the last five years, while Indian counterparts secured approximately $354 million in the same period, Tracxn data showed. Private sector participants expect to see a pickup in funding in 2025. "The next 12 months will be crucial in shaping the future of India's space tech startups," said Vishesh Rajaram, managing partner at Speciale Invest, which backs companies such as Agnikul Cosmos, GalaxEye, and Inspecity.
According to a report by the Chairman of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, Pawan Goenka, published by the World Economic Forum, India's space economy is poised for significant growth. India is already moving towards its ambitious goal through strong government support, rapid technological innovation led by ISRO, and the development of the private space sector. He further highlights the challenges of a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation in space technologies, supply chain resilience for technological independence and competitiveness, and a clear legal framework to support innovation while safeguarding national security and economic interests. In-SPACe has already launched skill development courses in space law, policy, economics, and benefits. State governments actively encourage local manufacturing by setting up dedicated space manufacturing parks and incentivising localisations. IN-SPACe also aims for intellectual property and a favourable export regime to unlock the full potential of the country's space economy.
International collaborations
ISRO has cultivated a robust network of international partnerships, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to global space cooperation. India has signed space cooperative documents with space agencies of 61 countries and 5 multinational bodies. Most recently, in June 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the US; India became the 27th signatory to the Artemis Accords, signaling a strengthened commitment to collaborative lunar exploration. Building upon the momentum, the US- India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) fosters deeper collaboration in quantum and optical communication, the ground segment for LEO constellations. A tangible example of this collaboration is the NISAR satellite, which has completed critical milestones in testing at URSC, with active participation from both countries.
The past four summits that have taken place between India and Russia, spanning from 2018-2024, saw progress in human space flight, satellite navigation, launch vehicle technology and planetary exploration. India- France cooperation is progressing steadily with the three new agreements for the joint realisation of the TRISHNA mission, a short-term plan for a joint maritime awareness mission, and the support of space conjunction analysis. India and France signed various billion-dollar agreements in which outer space had nine specific areas of cooperation- high-resolution earth observation, space domain and situational awareness, satellite navigation, space transportation, and human exploration, to name a few important ones. The ambit of cooperation included training for the ISRO experts for the ‘Gaganyaan’ project at the Toulouse Space Centre and Centre for Development of Microgravity Applications and Space Operations (CADMOS) for space medicine, astronaut health monitoring, life support protection and space debris. In November 2024, ISRO- CNES recently organised an international Science Workshop on High-Resolution Thermal Earth Observation. India is interacting with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on the reception of signals from the JAXA Venus mission in the Indian Deep Space Network Antenna is continuing, and the feasibility study of the joint lunar polar exploration mission is progressing. India and Italy are also initiating joint work in Earth Observation and Space Exploration.
Multilateral initiatives
Modi’s vision extends beyond technological achievements to encompass regional diplomacy. His visit to Nepal in 2014, the first by the Indian Prime Minister in 17 years, led to the development of the South Asia Satellite (GSAT- 9). A geosynchronous communications satellite, GSAT9, was dedicated to the region for telecommunication and broadcasting, telemedicine, tele-education and disaster management as “a gift from India”. South Asian Satellite can be highlighted as an illuminating start for the NDA to use space technology for political and international imperatives.
In the wider Indo-Pacific region, the Quad is a multilateral partnership between India, Australia, Japan, and the United States. Space-related applications can play an essential role in addressing contemporary challenges in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad is committed to sharing Earth observation data to address climate crises and the sustainable use of ocean and maritime resources. In May 2023, as part of the Quad efforts on Space Situational Awareness (SSA), India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Australia, Japan, and the US affirming their commitment to not conducting anti-satellite tests (ASATs). India has planned to establish a space-based web portal for Mauritius to support open science for space-related monitoring of extreme weather events and climate impact.
India - Australia Space Collaboration
The space partnership between India and Australia has been very limited. Both countries have recently picked up on their bilateral ties. Australia, with its nascent space agency established in 2018, excels in ground segment capabilities, space situational awareness, and robotics. However, it is not yet a strong player in sovereign space missions or launch capabilities. India, on the other hand, boasts a robust launch vehicle program and a large constellation of Earth observation satellites. This creates a synergistic opportunity for collaboration, with both nations poised to benefit significantly. Australia’s Civil Space Strategy 2019-2028 outlines a forward-thinking plan to substantially grow the country’s space industry, especially through international collaboration. By aiming for a target of 20,200 jobs and a market size of US $12 billion by 2030, the Australian government recognises space’s pivotal role in its future economy. The head of the Australian space agency, Enrico Palermo, recently stated, “We also have the capacity to contribute to and learn from India’s human space flight ambitions, particularly in space health and life sciences.”
The Australian government has implemented several initiatives to enhance collaboration with India, mainly through non-governmental enterprises. Notably, three projects have received a total of AUD 18 million in funding from the Australian government under the International Space Investment India Project program. Space Machines Company, an Australian space technology company, has received over AUD 8.5 million in funding for Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia- India’s Technology, Research and Innovation). It works with Bengaluru-based Ananth Technologies, an Indian aerospace and defence manufacturer, on product integration, testing, and technology development for joint space missions. LatConnect60 has been awarded almost AUD 5.8 million in funding to develop and build a Low Earth Orbit satellite in Australia to collect information on carbon emissions at a very high resolution. The satellite will be launched in India to lower the cost of data acquisition of key indicators like methane and carbon dioxide to support agriculture and resources sectors in achieving emissions reduction. This marked the first cross-border investment in space since it was privatised in 2020. Skykraft has been awarded AUD 3.7 million to propose and validate a new Position, Navigation and Timing system with the ultimate aim of better connecting large-scale satellite constellations, which are vital for Earth observation and weather forecasting. Similarly, HEX20 has partnered with India's Skyroot Aerospace to utilise Skyroot's launch services and access spacecraft avionics and components for Australian space initiatives. These collaborations not only benefit the individual companies involved but also contribute to the growth of both nations' space industries. Perth-based QL Space is also partnering with Skyroot Aerospace to develop launch facilities in Australia and explore joint mineral exploration missions in space, further demonstrating the growing commercial ties.
The MoU signed between the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) and the SatCom Industry Association India(SIA- India) underscores the commitment to fostering greater industry collaboration. This agreement aims to facilitate partnerships in space debris mitigation, advancing satellite technology, and integrating space capabilities with defence applications. A recent PRISM 2.0 webinar on February 20, 2025, focused on three key areas: export control, bilateral research and development (R&D) investment, and intellectual property protection. As part of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), over 96% of Indian exports to Australia now enjoy preferential access, significantly boosting bilateral trade in space technologies. Discussions in such forums underline the importance of liberalising Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to facilitate national security initiatives and build more substantial contractual agreements.
Australia has formalised its support of India’s historic Gaganyaan mission to ensure the safe recovery of the Gaganyaan Crew Nodule and support crew search and rescue activity. Both countries collaborate at the space agency and space industry levels. The Australian government is taking steps to engage more actively with India in the space sector. However, the Indian government has not significantly enhanced its space cooperation with Australia, primarily due to differing commercial, regional and national interests.
Challenges and future outlook
India and Australia face unique and shared challenges as their space sectors grow. The Indian space sector has primarily been dominated by government bodies, with ISRO being regarded as the torchbearer of the Indian space program. In contrast, Australia established its space agency in 2018, and the leading players in the Australian space industry are predominantly from the commercial sector. The differences in the actors involved in the space sectors of both countries highlight their distinct approaches. Relatively new to the space sector, the significance of military, communication and satellite imagery is the rooting factor in developing the Australian space industry. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Research institutions lack substantial capital, and generating it with the small domestic market and an inconsistent workflow has become challenging. Therefore, capitalising on its geographical location in the southern hemisphere, where there is a shortage of space facilities, Australia has become a vital ground for ground stations that are essential for tracking space objects.
Despite its extended history, India still lacks national space law development beyond the existing Space Policy of 2023 to provide regulatory certainty for its rapidly expanding private sector. The Indian Space Tech sector’s funding landscape is predominantly driven by early-stage investments. In 2023, early-stage rounds attracted $120 million of the total $126 million raised, reflecting a notable growth from $114 million in 2022, representing a 5% increase. In 2024, early-stage funding had reached $8.5 million. Seed-stage funding has also seen a significant rise, growing from $4.3 million. However, despite this growth in early-stage and seed-stage funding, the nascent ecosystem for private sector participation in Indian Space Tech startups has not yet experienced any late-stage funding.
Australia benefits from access to India's launch capabilities and Earth observation data, while India gains from Australia's ground segment expertise and strategic location. ISRO and ASA have already signed an MoU for crew recovery for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. Continued collaboration in technology development, commercial ventures, and multilateral forums will further strengthen this partnership and contribute to the growth of both countries' space sectors. While challenges, such as funding limitations for Australia, exist, the strong political will and growing industry engagement suggest a positive trajectory for future collaboration.
India and Australia are preparing to meet at the upcoming QUAD Summit, and their joint efforts in space will remain a key discussion area, offering a glimpse into Indo-Pacific security and technological development. Strengthened collaboration between India and Australia’s respective space sectors is aligned with the shared regional interests of India and Australia and enhances collective influence in shaping global decisions. Both nations play a pivotal role in the Indo-Pacific region, and collaboration in the space sector has the potential to bridge gaps and contribute significantly to the advancement of shared goals. With India's intelligence capabilities being compromised in the past and Australia’s existing space data sharing agreements with the ‘Five Eyes Plus’ partners, a possible extension of India would benefit shared security interests in the region. In June 2023, Australia suffered a blow to its space economy by cancelling the National Space Mission for Earth Observation. In contrast, India has one of the most prominent constellations of Earth observation satellites. Given this, Australia may need to become a more significant consumer of India’s services. The Australia-India space partnership holds considerable promise. By combining their respective strengths, both nations can achieve more in space than they could alone.
Pooja Raghav holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of Madras, where her dissertation addressed the complexities of science diplomacy. Currently, she works in providing strategic support and operations for Global and Education Pathways at the Australian Catholic University. Prior to this role, she served as an Assistant Professor of International Relations at Vellore Institute of Technology in India for three years. She has received full scholarships from the Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI) and the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA). Her research focuses on the intersection of science and diplomacy, particularly examining the roles of state and non-state actors in promoting effective science diplomacy initiatives. She is especially interested in the dynamics of space and science diplomacy within the context of Indian foreign policy.
