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Funding for India’s Space Industry Drops 55% in 2024 Amid Global Investment Decline

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India’s space sector saw a significant decline in funding in 2024, dropping by 55% to $59.1 million from $130.2 million the previous year, according to market intelligence platform Tracxn. This decrease marks the first funding dip in the sector in at least five years and reflects a broader global trend, with space industry investments worldwide falling by 20%.

Despite the decline, India’s space industry has made substantial strides, with global recognition for achievements such as the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing and the Aditya-L1 solar probe launch. The Indian government is actively supporting the sector, with a 10 billion rupee ($119 million) fund introduced in October 2024 to assist space startups, along with a vision to expand India’s share of the global commercial space market by 2033.

While 2024 funding levels have fallen, industry experts are optimistic about the future. Vishesh Rajaram, managing partner at Speciale Invest, which supports Indian space tech startups, noted that the next 12 months are crucial for the sector’s growth. Pawan Chandana, founder of Skyroot Aerospace, also emphasized that investment activity is likely to rise again as key companies approach important milestones in 2025.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has projected a 20%-30% budget increase to further support deep space exploration and the development of heavy-lift rockets.

 

ISRO Successfully Germinates Cowpea Seeds in Space: Key Details Revealed

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful germination of cowpea seeds in space. The seeds, launched aboard the PSLV-C60 on December 30, were part of the POEM-4 platform’s mission to study plant growth under microgravity conditions. Within just four days of the launch, the seeds showed signs of germination, marking a key step in exploring sustainable agricultural practices for long-term space exploration. This breakthrough is expected to play a crucial role in developing life support systems that could sustain human life during extended missions in outer space.

The experiment, known as the Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS), was conducted by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The CROPS initiative successfully germinated eight cowpea seeds in a carefully controlled environment aboard the PSLV-C60’s platform. Early-stage growth has already been observed, and ISRO officials are optimistic that leaves will begin to emerge soon. The experiment not only demonstrates the feasibility of growing plants in space but also contributes to the broader understanding of how plants can thrive in microgravity environments.

The PSLV-C60 mission, which launched on December 30, was pivotal in advancing space research. The rocket successfully placed two SpaDeX satellites into orbit and carried 24 onboard experiments, including the CROPS initiative. The fourth stage of the PSLV-C60, equipped with the POEM-4 platform, is currently orbiting Earth at an altitude of 350 km, providing a stable environment for scientific research. This experiment is part of ongoing efforts by ISRO to explore the potential for sustainable plant growth in space, an area that is critical for the future of space exploration and habitation.

As part of a larger global effort to make long-duration space missions more feasible, ISRO’s successful cowpea seed germination is a promising step forward. Understanding how plants grow in microgravity could help address the challenges of providing food for astronauts during extended space missions, particularly on missions to the Moon or Mars. This achievement could pave the way for future experiments aimed at improving the viability of space agriculture, ultimately ensuring astronauts have the resources needed to sustain themselves during deep space exploration.

ISRO Starts Assembling Human-Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 for Gaganyaan Mission

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Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reached a key milestone in its human spaceflight ambitions with the beginning of assembly for the Human-Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3). The assembly process started at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) with the stacking of the nozzle-end segment of the S200 solid rocket motor. This marks the official launch of the Gaganyaan-G1 campaign, ISRO’s first uncrewed mission as part of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Notably, this development coincides with the tenth anniversary of the LVM3-X/CARE mission, which was carried out on the same date in 2014.

The HLVM3 is an upgraded version of the LVM3 rocket, designed specifically to support human spaceflight. Standing at 53 meters tall and weighing in at 640 tonnes, the rocket is capable of carrying up to 10 tonnes to low Earth orbit. This new design features significant modifications to accommodate human spaceflight, including a crew escape system (CES) that will allow for the safe ejection of the Crew Module in case of an anomaly during ascent. These enhancements are crucial for ensuring the safety of astronauts and the success of future crewed missions.

Currently, the assembly process is underway, with the S200 motors being stacked and the L110 liquid stage and C32 cryogenic stage ready for integration at the launch complex. Meanwhile, the integration of the Crew Module is being handled at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), and preparations for the Service Module are taking place at the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC). This coordination across multiple ISRO centers highlights the collaborative effort required to successfully launch the Gaganyaan mission.

The Gaganyaan mission marks a significant leap for India’s space exploration capabilities, moving the nation closer to its goal of sending humans into space. With the successful assembly of the HLVM3 and the continued progress in the preparation of the Crew and Service Modules, ISRO is setting the stage for a historic human spaceflight. This project not only strengthens India’s presence in the global space community but also fosters technological advancements that will benefit various sectors on Earth.