Three space startups get IN-SPACe funding to boost indigenous tech
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre has selected three Indian space startups as the first set of Non-Governmental Entities for funding under its Technology Adoption Fund Scheme.
Two Bengaluru-based firms feature in the list. IN-SPACe chose Astrobase Space Technologies and SatSure Analytics India, along with Hyderabad-based TM2SPACE Technologies. The selection was made after a multi-stage evaluation by an expert committee with members from ISRO, DPIIT, DST, academia and industry.
The Rs 500-crore TAF scheme was launched in February 2026 to support commercialisation of early-stage space technologies. It covers up to 60% of project costs, with a maximum cap of Rs 25 crore per project.
Astrobase Space Technologies will develop an 800 kN-class closed-cycle liquid rocket engine for launch vehicles. The reusable LOX-LNG engine will have high efficiency and modular architecture for medium-to-heavy lift launch vehicles. It is intended as a commercial propulsion solution for next-generation launch systems and orbital stages.
SatSure Analytics India will build Dhaarini, a Large Earth Observation Model. The AI-powered platform will be trained on diverse satellite and aerial datasets. It is designed to generate actionable insights across agriculture, infrastructure and disaster management for national-scale decision-making. SatSure secured a ₹24.6 crore grant for the project.
TM2SPACE Technologies will develop an indigenous AI-powered star tracker system for satellites. The project includes StarSense Lite for CubeSats and StarSense Pro for satellites above 50 kg. The system will deliver high-precision attitude determination through advanced optics, electronics and onboard algorithms for high-resolution imaging and communication missions.
IN-SPACe said the funding aims to strengthen India’s indigenous capabilities and enhance global competitiveness in the space sector. Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairperson of IN-SPACe, said the fund is designed to bridge the gap between early-stage development and commercial success by empowering the private sector to work on cutting-edge space technologies.
