According to a PTI report, industry estimates say the satellite launch market in India is expected to grow from US$720 million in 2022 to US$3.5 billion by 2033. Small satellites are likely to be most effective for a range of applications, from providing internet connectivity to Earth observation.
The report says that space start-ups like Pixel and Satsure have already announced plans to build a constellation of small satellites for their services. Indian companies are trying to make indigenous rockets the world’s choice for launching small satellites into orbit.
Indian Space Association Director General Lieutenant General AK Bhatt (Retired) told PTI-Bhasha that big rockets are available, but due to the large number of satellite launches, companies do not want to wait. They want to launch satellites as soon as possible. That is why small rockets have been prepared.
According to the report, Pixxel is looking to use ISRO’s launch vehicles to put its hyper-spectral satellites into orbit by the end of this year. Pixxel CEO Awais Ahmed told PTI in July that of the six satellites the company is building, three will be launched with SpaceX and three with ISRO.
Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has recently tested the stage 2 engine. This will power the Vikram-1 rocket. The rocket is planned to be launched by the end of this year. Similarly, Agnikul Cosmos developed by IIT-Madras can also launch its orbital rocket ‘Agnibaan’ next year.
