For decades, India’s space dreams revolved around Isro. Today, a new chapter is being written by startups that are daring to launch big ideas into orbit.

It began when the government opened the space sector in 2020. Private companies were finally allowed to build, launch, and operate space technologies. What followed was a quiet but powerful shift. Engineers left stable jobs, students became founders, and space stopped being a closed club.

Startups like Skyroot are building rockets for small satellites. Pixxel is watching Earth in ways cameras never could, helping detect crop stress and methane leaks. Dhruva Space is making satellites more affordable by letting multiple innovators share missions. Bellatrix is solving propulsion, one of the hardest problems in space. EtherealX is betting on reusable launch vehicles to cut costs.

But space is not easy. It needs deep money, patience, and acceptance of failure. Funding gaps, long return cycles, and global competition remain serious challenges.

Still, momentum is building. With policy support, rising talent, and growing and growing confidence, Indian startups are no longer just dreaming of space.

They are preparing for liftoff.