Centre Plans Space Labs in Universities; 7 to Come Up in First Phase**
New Delhi, Apr 26 (TNT): Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday reviewed plans to establish ‘space laboratories in universities and colleges across India’, with seven labs to be set up in the first phase to provide hands-on training in satellite systems, rocketry and mission design.
The initiative aims to build a strong talent pipeline for India’s growing space sector, which has attracted over USD 600 million in private investment over the past five years following sectoral reforms, an official release said here.
The review followed a briefing by IN-SPACe Chairman Dr Pawan Goenka, who highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s private space ecosystem under the aegis of IN-SPACe.
The number of space startups has grown from single digits in 2019 to over 400 by early 2026, with companies now active across launch vehicles, satellite manufacturing, data services and emerging in-orbit segments.
To support the sector, the government is operationalising a ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund with SIDBI, alongside a ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund to help scale innovations.
A seed fund scheme offering grants of up to ₹1 crore is also supporting early-stage startups.
Skill development efforts include 17 specialised training programmes that have certified nearly 900 participants in areas such as satellite manufacturing and space cybersecurity.
The proposed space labs are expected to further enhance practical learning opportunities.
On infrastructure, initiatives such as a PPP-based Earth observation satellite constellation, shared satellite platforms and expanded access to testing facilities at Ahmedabad are being developed.
India’s global engagement in the space sector has expanded to over 45 countries, with recent collaborations involving nations like Singapore and the UAE.
Since its inception, IN-SPACe has received over 1,000 applications and granted 129 authorisations**, reflecting increasing confidence in India’s reformed space ecosystem.
TNT KS
