India is stepping up its efforts to tackle the growing problem of space debris, with Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh announcing a vision to achieve debris-free space by 2030. The initiative reflects India’s growing capabilities in space technology and its efforts to develop solutions for safer and more sustainable space operations.
The announcement was made on November 5, 2026, during the inauguration of Cosmoserve Space’s Base 1 facility at VSD Tech Park in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. Dr. Jitendra Singh attended the event virtually from Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi, while Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu attended as the Guest of Honour alongside Cosmoserve Space Founder and CEO Dr. Chiranjeevi Phanindra.
The facility will focus on Active Space Debris Removal (ADR) and in-orbit servicing, two areas of technology aimed at addressing the challenges posed by inactive satellites and other objects orbiting Earth.
Cosmoserve Space Opens Advanced Robotics and Debris Removal Facility
Congratulating the company on the inauguration, Dr. Jitendra Singh described Base 1 as an advanced facility covering approximately 14,800 square feet. It brings together capabilities for designing, developing, testing and operating space robotics systems under simulated space conditions.
The facility includes orbital rendezvous and capture laboratories, space robotics innovation labs, microgravity simulation platforms and satellite integration clean rooms. These facilities are intended to support the development and testing of technologies required for future space missions.
The Minister also highlighted Cosmoserve Space’s work on active debris removal and in-orbit servicing. Its Mission EMBRACE conducted an in-space test of soft robotic petals in July 2026, less than a year after the company’s establishment.
Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the team’s experience in ISRO and the Gaganyaan programme, noting how its technical expertise is being translated into collaborative innovation within India’s private space sector.
The company has also established partnerships with Pixxel for satellite systems, Dhruv Aerospace Netherlands for propulsion systems and Skyroot Aerospace for launch services. According to the Minister, these collaborations demonstrate how private companies are combining indigenous technologies, satellite systems, battery capabilities and launch infrastructure to develop integrated space missions.
India’s Space Economy Projected to Reach $40-45 Billion
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the expansion of India’s space industry following the space sector reforms introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He noted that the establishment of NewSpace India Limited and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) helped reshape the country’s space ecosystem by creating opportunities for private companies and startups.
India’s space economy has grown to nearly $9 billion and is projected to reach $40-45 billion over the coming decade. The country’s space startup ecosystem has also expanded significantly, growing from single-digit numbers to nearly 450 enterprises.
The Minister said India already had considerable scientific talent and technological capabilities, but required a supportive ecosystem to allow young innovators and entrepreneurs to contribute to the sector.
He encouraged domestic and international investors to increase their participation in India’s space industry. He also called for greater philanthropic investment in scientific research and innovation to support emerging technologies and strengthen industry collaborations.
India Focuses on Space Sustainability and Technological Self-Reliance
The Minister emphasised that India’s space ambitions extend beyond commercial growth, with technological self-reliance and the development of sovereign capabilities remaining key priorities.
He pointed to India’s Chandrayaan missions and the Gaganyaan programme as examples of the country’s ability to undertake sophisticated space projects at comparatively lower costs. He also highlighted the contribution of space technology to activities on Earth, including the Gati Shakti initiative, smart city development and disaster preparedness.
Dr. Jitendra Singh described Cosmoserve Space’s work as an example of Vishwa Bandhu Bharat, reflecting India’s commitment to extending the benefits of space technology and sustainability beyond national boundaries.
He said initiatives focused on removing space debris and servicing satellites could contribute to a safer orbital environment for the international community while strengthening India’s position in the global space sector.
The Minister congratulated Cosmoserve Space and its team for their contribution to space sustainability and expressed his intention to visit the Hyderabad facility in person to interact with its members.
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