Space Policy (Space).
Syllabus: UPSC Pre GS1: General Science; Mains GS3: S&T developments
ISRO for UPSC: Sarabhai and INCOSPAR, PSLV, GSLV and LVM3, Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, Aditya-L1, NavIC, IN-SPACe, Space Policy 2023 and private launches.
Gaganyaan for UPSC: aims, HLVM3 rocket, crew and service modules, crew escape tests, astronauts, Axiom-4, Vyommitra and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
On 17 October 2026, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said India’s space economy, worth about USD 9 billion today, should reach USD 40-45 billion in the next seven to eight years. He said the task now is to move from showing what India can do in space to building space companies that can compete and earn worldwide. For that, private firms need steady demand, quick approvals and patient capital. This is the story of space turning from a science mission into an industry.
UPSC angle: Prelims: IN-SPACe, NSIL, Space Policy 2023, FDI caps, Vikram-S. · Mains GS-III: private sector in space, strategic autonomy.
18 Oct 2026
On 8 October 2026 the Department of Telecommunications rejected a social media claim that satellite internet licensing is discriminatory. Three licences for Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite services using non-geostationary satellites have been issued; all three are going through security assessment, after which each can seek spectrum.
UPSC angle: Prelims: satcom terms. · Mains GS-III: communication infrastructure, security.
8 Oct 2026
On 25 September 2026 the Technology Development Board under DST signed an agreement to give Agnikul Cosmos, Chennai, ₹200 crore from the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. The money, through optionally convertible debentures, will help take its reusable Agnibaan launch vehicle from TRL-4 to TRL-8.
UPSC angle: Prelims: TRL scale; RDI Fund instrument. · Mains: Role of private players after space-sector reforms.
25 Sep 2026
On 23 August 2026 the Prime Minister met CEOs of Indian space startups and said the government must stay consistent in its decisions so that private players can take risks. The startups spoke of a private orbital launch, new engines, debris removal and space pharma. India's space startups have grown from one in 2014 to over 400 in 2026.
UPSC angle: Mains: Private sector in space.
23 Aug 2026
Replying in Rajya Sabha on 13 August 2026, the government said ISRO is acting on the debris risk from large Low Earth Orbit satellite-internet constellations. Its Debris Free Space Mission, end-of-life disposal rules and Active Debris Removal aim to limit new debris. ISRO has been a member of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee since 1996.
UPSC angle: Prelims: IADC; ADR.
13 Aug 2026
PIB profiles Vikram-1 by Skyroot as India's first privately developed orbital rocket (350 kg to LEO). Mission Aagaman's window is 12 July to 4 August 2026. Space Policy 2023 opened the value chain to private players; startups rose from one in 2014 to over 400 in 2026.
UPSC angle: Prelims: IN-SPACe; private rockets.
18 Jul 2026