IN-SPACe authorisation: how Indian space startups get permission

In short

IN-SPACe had granted 113 authorisations to 52 non-government entities, 18 of them startups, by August 2026 (PIB); processing is expected to take 75 to 120 days.

If your company plans to launch a rocket, operate a satellite, run a ground station or sell high-resolution satellite images in India, you need permission from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). This page explains who must apply, what the process looks like, the conditions that catch founders out, and how many companies have been through it.

1. What needs authorisation

The Indian Space Policy 2023 makes IN-SPACe the single-window agency for authorising space activities by government entities and private companies. Its list covers setting up and running space objects, launching and operating launch vehicles (sub-orbital too), building and operating launch pads, planned re-entry, TT&C earth stations, satellite control centres and data reception stations, distributing high-resolution earth observation data, and in-orbit sale or transfer of space objects.

The detailed rules are in IN-SPACe's Norms, Guidelines and Procedures (NGP), issued in May 2024. The NGP groups the activities as:

Group	Examples from the NGP
Space objects	Communication satellites, remote sensing and amateur satellites, hosted payloads, other space objects
Space transportation	Sub-orbital and orbital launches; launch facilities
Re-entry	Planned re-entry with or without recovery
Ground systems	Satellite control centres, data reception stations, ground sensors for space situational awareness
Data	Dissemination of earth observation data, with separate categories at or below and above 30 cm resolution
Transfers	Sale, purchase or transfer of space objects in orbit

A note for imaging startups: the 2023 policy said data coarser than 30 cm only needs intimation to IN-SPACe. The NGP of May 2024 lists dissemination of data coarser than 30 cm as its own authorisation category. Follow the NGP. Our page on satellite imagery for commercial use in India covers the data side.

2. Who can apply

Only an Indian entity can apply. A foreign company that wants to run a space activity in India applies through an Indian subsidiary, a joint venture or another collaboration recognised by the Government of India. A few categories, such as authorising a foreign satellite's capacity for communication services in India, can be filed by the foreign operator's authorised representative or dealer.

The applicant must show enough managerial, operational, infrastructure, technical and financial capacity for the activity. IN-SPACe looks at in-house expertise, planned spending, source of funds and recent annual reports. A young company should be ready to explain how it will fund the project.

3. The process and the timeline

The steps in the NGP are:

Submit the online application on IN-SPACe's digital platform.
IN-SPACe does a first check of credentials and capability, and may ask for more information.
IN-SPACe tells you whether the application is accepted for processing.
IN-SPACe scrutinises it for safety, national security, technical matters, radio-frequency interference, compliance with national and international rules, state liability for third-party damage, and foreign relations and shareholding.
If needed, IN-SPACe issues a provisional authorisation or advisory note so you can start clearances with other ministries.
IN-SPACe issues the authorisation or rejects the application.

The NGP expects 75 to 120 days from receipt of a complete application. It advises applying preferably six months before the activity. It also says IN-SPACe does not guarantee any processing time and is not liable for losses from delay. Build your launch or satellite schedule around that, not around the 75-day figure.

4. Conditions founders should read first

Change of control. You must tell IN-SPACe in writing and by email within 48 hours of any change in management and control or shareholding. A fresh authorisation is needed if control passes to a non-Indian entity. This matters for any funding round that brings in a foreign investor.
Validity. An authorisation has a validity period. Going beyond it needs a separate authorisation, and acceptance is not guaranteed.
Not transferable. An authorisation cannot be passed to a third party without IN-SPACe's approval.
Incidents. If an accident or malfunction threatens security or safety, notify IN-SPACe within 24 hours and send details of the response within 7 working days.
Other changes. Notify IN-SPACe within 30 days of any event that could affect the validity of the authorisation.
Liability and debris. You must follow third-party liability guidelines and debris limits.

5. How many companies have done this

A PIB reply to the Rajya Sabha dated 13 August 2026 says IN-SPACe has granted 113 authorisations to 52 non-government entities, of which 18 are startups. It lists Agnikul Cosmos, Bellatrix Aerospace, Dhruva Space, Digantara, GalaxEye, Pixxel and Skyroot Aerospace among them. About 440 space technology startups are registered on the Start-up India portal, so the 18 with authorisations are a small share of the field.

A PIB reply of 11 February 2026 breaks the authorisations down by type. Adding its 2022 to 2026 columns gives 94 authorisations at that date, of which the largest groups were non-Indian satellite or constellation approvals (36) and hosted payloads (22).

The same August reply says two private launches are proposed in FY 2026-27 and, for FY 2027-28, more than 6 launches may be undertaken, subject to the launch manifest that IN-SPACe has yet to approve.

6. What comes after the authorisation

Applications to use ISRO infrastructure, including the launch pads at Sriharikota, go through the IN-SPACe digital platform, and an expert committee reviews readiness. PIB's reply of 12 August 2026 also lists a ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund, a ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund and the IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme. It reports cumulative investment in Indian space startups of about USD 618.5 million as of 31 March 2026.

7. Checklist

[ ] Find your activity in the NGP list and note its code.
[ ] Check that the applicant is an Indian entity with Indian management and control.
[ ] Prepare your capability and funding evidence: team, spending plan, annual reports.
[ ] Set your target date at least six months after you expect to file.
[ ] Add the 48-hour change-of-control rule to your shareholder agreements.

This page summarises public documents and is not legal advice; check the current NGP with a space-law adviser before you file.

Questions people ask

How long does IN-SPACe take?

The NGP expects 75 to 120 days from a complete application and gives no guarantee.

Can a foreign company apply directly?

Generally no. It applies through an Indian subsidiary, joint venture or recognised collaboration, with a few exceptions for authorised representatives.

Is there an application fee?

The NGP we read lists no application fee. Confirm on the IN-SPACe portal before you file.

Do government bodies need authorisation too?

The policy says IN-SPACe authorises space activities by government entities as well as private ones.