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12. August 2025
In a significant milestone for the Indian space startup sector, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has selected four homegrown startups to develop and operate India’s first fully indigenous commercial Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation. This decision marks a major breakthrough in the country’s efforts to establish itself as a leading player in the global space industry.
The consortium, led by Pixxel, which includes Piersight Space, Satsure Analytics India, and Dhruva Space, will design, build, and manage the constellation of 12 EO satellites. The project is expected to be one of the most advanced in the world, entirely developed and operated in India.
The phased deployment of the EO constellation will be completed over four years, with the system expected to provide high-resolution optical and radar data for various applications, including climate change monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, infrastructure, and national security. The satellites equipped with panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral, and microwave SAR sensors will deliver data that is critical for these applications.
The consortium will invest over ₹1,200 crore over five years, demonstrating the commitment and financial backing of the Indian government to support the growth of the private space industry. This significant investment will also create thousands of high-skill jobs and contribute directly to India’s goal of growing its space economy from $8.4 billion in 2022 to $44 billion by 2033.
One of the key advantages of the PixxelSpace consortium is its ability to deliver radar-first, analysis-ready products with low latency. This will enable agencies and enterprises to receive alerts and evidence, rather than just raw data, making it easier for them to make informed decisions. The modular, software-defined radar electronics and deployable antenna heritage of PierSight will also play a crucial role in the project’s success.
“The PPP (public-private partnership) is about outcomes and execution speed,” said Gaurav Seth, co-founder and CEO at PierSight. “Our SAR makes the constellation operational 24/7 in all weather conditions. This is India’s moment to lead the world in space-powered solutions.”
The government will provide strategic, technical, and policy support to the consortium, while PixxelSpace will manage satellite manufacturing, launches, and data commercialisation. IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Goenka highlighted the project’s importance, saying that it signals the coming of age of India’s private space industry.
“This initiative demonstrates the capability of Indian companies to lead large-scale, technologically advanced, and commercially viable space missions,” said Goenka. “It will reduce India’s reliance on foreign satellite data, enhance data sovereignty, and strengthen the country’s position in the global space sector.”
The project’s success is also a testament to the ingenuity and capabilities of India’s space startups, which have been developing cutting-edge technologies in recent years. These companies have demonstrated their ability to design, build, and operate complex systems that can contribute significantly to various applications.
As the PixxelSpace consortium continues to work towards completing the constellation, it is clear that this initiative will have a lasting impact on India’s future in the global space sector. The government’s support for the project is a testament to its commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the space industry.
With the PixxelSpace consortium at the helm, there is no doubt that India will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and technology. As the country continues to grow and develop its space industry, it is clear that this initiative will play a crucial role in shaping India’s future in the global space sector.