India’s Space Startups: Skyroot & Agnikul vs SpaceX – The New Space Race ๐
UPSC • MPPSC • SSC • Banking • Railway Exam Oriented Special Report
Introduction: India’s New Space Revolution
In the 21st century, space is no longer limited to scientific research alone.
It has become a crucial pillar of the economy, national security, communication,
weather forecasting, and global power balance.
After 2020, India entered a new era of private space startups.
Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos have proven that India is now moving forward
with private participation in the global space economy.
1. Global Space Race: The SpaceX Model
SpaceX was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk with the aim of making space affordable,
accessible, and reusable. Reusable rockets like Falcon 9, contracts with NASA,
and the Starlink project have given SpaceX global leadership.
2. Beginning of the Private Space Sector in India
The Space Sector Reforms of 2020 allowed private companies to launch rockets.
Institutions like IN-SPACe and NSIL enabled access to ISRO’s infrastructure.
The headquarters of IN-SPACe is located in Ahmedabad.
3. Skyroot Aerospace
Founded in 2018, Skyroot Aerospace is headquartered in Hyderabad.
Vikram-S was India’s first private sub-orbital rocket launch.
The company focuses on affordable launch services for the small satellite market.
4. Agnikul Cosmos
Agnikul Cosmos introduced 3D printing and semi-cryogenic engine technology.
The Agnibaan SOrTeD mission marked a major step toward private orbital launches in India.
5. Skyroot vs Agnikul
| Parameter | Skyroot | Agnikul |
|---|---|---|
| Main Focus | Small Satellites | Custom Launch |
| Engine | Solid + Liquid | Semi-Cryogenic |
| Technology | Reusable Vision | 3D Printing |
6. India vs SpaceX
India has strengths such as low-cost engineering, strong ISRO support,
and a young skilled workforce. The Asia–Africa region offers India the
opportunity to become a low-cost space launch hub.
7. Economy and Employment Impact
India’s share in the global space economy is around 2 percent.
The target is to reach 50 billion dollars by 2030.
This sector will generate thousands of high-skill jobs.
8. Important Exam Questions
The primary function of IN-SPACe is to authorize private companies
for space activities. Mains question: Discuss the role of private
space startups in India.
9. Conclusion
Skyroot and Agnikul are not just startups, but new symbols of India’s
strategic and economic strength. Just as SpaceX transformed the US
space sector, these startups can help make India a new space superpower.
ISRO showed the path, now startups are taking flight ๐
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