India’s private space sector is experiencing unprecedented growth with innovative startups pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space technology. These companies aren’t just redefining India’s space capabilities — they’re competing on the global stage with cutting-edge technologies in areas like hyperspectral imaging, quantum communications, and sustainable propulsion systems. From launching India’s first private rocket to developing revolutionary satellite platforms, these are the top space startups in India to watch.
Best Space Startups in India to Follow
Every year, new startups pull to the forefront of their industry through exciting innovation, tech, and industry-disrupting business models. We’ve rounded up the top space startups in India of 2024 that startup-lovers, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs should follow.
Disclaimer: With so many exciting space startups launching and growing in India, we aren’t able to cover them all. Furthermore, the startups listed below aren’t officially ranked and appear in no particular order.
1. Pixxel
- Founder(s): Awais Ahmed, Kshitij Khandelwal
- Founded In: 2019
- Funding: Series B, $64.6 Million
- Investors Include: Lightspeed Venture Partners, Techstars, Accenture Ventures
Pixxel is building a constellation of hyperspectral imaging satellites to provide highly detailed earth observation data. The company’s satellites can capture images that reveal chemical and physical compositions of objects on Earth’s surface, enabling applications across agriculture, mining, environmental monitoring, and other sectors. Pixxel has successfully launched two demo satellites, Shakuntala and Anand, and aims to deploy a full constellation to provide daily global coverage.
2. Agnikul
- Founder(s): Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM
- Founded In: 2016
- Funding: Series B, $61.2 Million
- Investors Include: pi Ventures, Mayfield India, Speciale Invest
Agnikul is developing small satellite launch vehicles with a flagship rocket: the “Agnibaan.” This customizable launch vehicle is capable of carrying payloads up to 100 kilograms (kg) to low Earth orbit. The company stands out for its focus on 3D-printed rocket engines, having developed India’s first such engine called “Agnilet.” This startup established India’s first private launchpad and mission control center at Sriharikota.
3. Skyroot Aerospace
- Founder(s): Pawan Chandana, Bharath Daka
- Founded In: 2018
- Funding: Series B, $95.5 Million
- Investors Include: Meraki Labs, Graph Ventures, AUM Ventures
Skyroot is developing a series of rockets called Vikram, named after Indian space pioneer Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. In November 2022, the company made history by launching India’s first privately developed rocket, the Vikram-S, in a suborbital flight. Skyroot’s rockets use innovative technologies, including carbon composite structures and 3D-printed components, and the company aims to make space access more affordable and reliable for small satellite operators.
4. Astrogate Labs
- Founder(s): Nitish Singh, Aditya Kedlaya
- Founded In: 2017
- Funding: Accelerator, $4.38 Million
- Investors Include: Speciale Invest, Startup Karnataka, Innovation & Collaboration Centre (ICC)
Astrogate Labs specializes in optical communication technology for satellites, developing laser-based communication systems that offer higher data transmission rates than traditional radio frequency communications. Based in Bengaluru, the company is working on both space and ground segments of optical communication systems with a goal to solve the bandwidth limitations faced by the growing small satellite industry. This startup has developed compact optical terminals that can be integrated into small satellites.
5. AADYAH Space
- Founder(s): V. Sunderarajan, Pradeep Kumar, Shaju Stephen, Varun Kurup, Sabu Joseph
- Founded In: 2016
- Funding: Accelerator, $3.23 Million
- Investors Include: Seraphim Space, Keiretsu Forum
AADYAH Space focuses on developing propulsion solutions for satellites, particularly electric propulsion systems that can help extend satellite lifespans and improve their maneuverability in orbit. The company’s innovative propulsion technology aims to address the growing need for efficient, in-space propulsion systems — especially for small satellites. AADYAH Space emphasizes developing cost-effective and reliable solutions that can help satellite operators better manage their constellations and extend mission durations.
6. Bellatrix Aerospace
- Founder(s): Rohan Ganapathy, Yashas Karanam, Nuthan Prasanna
- Founded In: 2015
- Funding: Series A, $11 Million
- Investors Include: Survam Partners, Pavestone Capital, Inflexor Ventures
Bellatrix Aerospace specializes in advanced, in-space propulsion systems and orbital launch vehicles. The company has developed several innovative propulsion technologies, including its hallmark “Microwave Electrothermal Thruster” and “Green Monopropellant Engine,” positioning Bellatrix Aerospace as a pioneer in eco-friendly satellite propulsion. The company is also working on an orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) called “Pushpak” to provide last-mile delivery services for satellites in space.
7. Inspecity
- Founder(s): Arindrajit Chowdhury, Tausif Shaikh
- Founded In: 2022
- Funding: Seed, $1.5 Million
- Investors Include: Anicut Capital, Antler, PointOne Capital
Inspecity is a space technology startup focusing on satellite-based infrastructure monitoring and inspection services. Using high-resolution satellite imagery and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, the company’s solutions help organizations detect potential issues early, reduce manual inspection costs, and improve maintenance scheduling through satellite-based remote sensing.
8. Dhruva Space
- Founder(s): Sanjay Nekkanti, Chaitanya Dora Surapureddy, Krishna Teja Penamakuru, Abhay Egoor
- Founded In: 2012
- Funding: Series A, $10.2 Million
- Investors Include: Indian Angel Network, Blume Ventures, IvyCap Ventures
Dhruva Space is one of India’s pioneering private space companies that designs and manufactures small satellites and their subsystems. The company has developed end-to-end satellite solutions, including the successful P-30 satellite platform, and made history in November 2022 by launching its Thybolt satellites aboard the Indian Space Research Organisation’s PSLV C54. The company offers complete satellite solutions, ranging from design and manufacturing to testing and ground station services, and expanded its capabilities to include space-grade solar arrays and deployable systems. This startup’s focus on full-stack space engineering solutions has positioned it as a significant player in the small satellite market.