India’s Growing Footprint in the Global Space Market
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has significantly expanded its presence in the global space industry, generating an impressive revenue of $439 million by launching foreign satellites over the past decade. This revenue underscores ISRO’s increasing capability and credibility in the international satellite launch market. The organization has successfully launched foreign satellites from 34 countries, further solidifying India’s position as a leading space-faring nation.
Revenue Breakdown: A Decade of Commercial Success
Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh revealed in a written reply to the Lok Sabha that between January 2015 and December 2024, ISRO has launched numerous foreign satellites alongside three Indian customer satellites using its PSLV, LVM3, and SSLV launch vehicles.
During this period, the government earned approximately $143 million and 272 million euros from foreign satellite launches. Converting 272 million euros at current exchange rates results in $296 million, bringing the total revenue to $439 million. This revenue stream highlights the increasing commercial potential of ISRO’s space programs and its growing demand among global clients.
Countries Benefiting from ISRO’s Satellite Launch Services
Since 2014, ISRO has launched satellites from 34 different nations. The table below provides a breakdown of satellite launches by country:
| Country | Number of Satellites Launched |
|---|---|
| United States | 232 |
| United Kingdom | 83 |
| Singapore | 19 |
| Canada | 8 |
| South Korea | 5 |
| Luxembourg | 4 |
| Italy | 4 |
| Germany | 3 |
| Belgium | 3 |
| Finland | 3 |
| France | 3 |
| Switzerland | 2 |
| Netherlands | 2 |
| Japan | 2 |
| Israel | 2 |
| Spain | 2 |
| Australia | 1 |
| United Arab Emirates | 1 |
| Austria | 1 |
This widespread global participation highlights ISRO’s reliability and cost-effectiveness as an international launch service provider.
ISRO’s Global Collaborations with Space Agencies
India has also expanded its international space collaborations, with 61 countries and five multilateral organizations having signed space cooperation agreements with ISRO. These agreements cover major areas such as:
- Satellite remote sensing
- Satellite navigation
- Satellite communication
- Space science and planetary exploration
- Capacity building and technical cooperation
Some of the key joint missions and collaborations include:
NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)
ISRO has partnered with NASA for the NISAR satellite mission, which is currently in its advanced stages. NISAR is set to revolutionize Earth observation by providing high-resolution, all-weather radar imaging for monitoring environmental changes, natural disasters, and deforestation.
Trishna (ISRO-CNES Earth Observation Mission)
In collaboration with the French National Space Agency (CNES), ISRO is working on Trishna, a satellite designed to monitor Earth’s surface temperature and study the planet’s climate. This mission is in its initial stages but holds significant promise for advancing global climate research.
India-Japan Lunar Polar Exploration Mission
ISRO and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have conducted a feasibility study for a joint lunar polar exploration mission. This mission aims to explore the Moon’s South Pole, an area of high scientific interest due to the potential presence of water ice deposits.
Boost in Funding for the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Program
The Indian government has significantly increased funding for ISRO’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight program. The revised budget stands at ₹20,193 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to expanding India’s human spaceflight capabilities.
The Gaganyaan program is set to conduct eight missions, including:
- Two crewed spaceflights
- Six uncrewed missions
The first crewed spaceflight is now scheduled for 2028, marking a major milestone in India’s journey toward independent human spaceflight capabilities.
ISRO’s Role in Strengthening India’s Space Economy
ISRO’s continued success in launching foreign satellites and collaborating on global space missions positions India as a key player in the global space industry. With increased funding, advanced technological developments, and strong international partnerships, ISRO is poised to further expand its influence in the coming years. The revenue generated from commercial satellite launches not only bolsters India’s economy but also enhances its technological leadership in the space domain.
