India Targets Debris-Free Space by 2030: Jitendra Singh

• India sets a vision of debris-free space by 2030.
• Jitendra Singh inaugurates Cosmoserve Space’s Base 1 in Hyderabad.
• India’s space economy reaches nearly USD 9 billion.
• Space startup ecosystem expands to nearly 450 enterprises.

GG News Bureau
Hyderabad, 5th Nov: India is aiming to achieve space debris removal capabilities that could help make outer space debris-free by 2030, Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced on Thursday, highlighting the country’s growing role in developing technologies for safer and more sustainable space operations.

The Minister made the announcement while virtually inaugurating Base 1, a new facility of space startup Cosmoserve Space at VSD Tech Park, Gachibowli, Hyderabad. Telangana IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu attended the event as Guest of Honour, alongside Cosmoserve Space founder and CEO Dr. Chiranjeevi Phanindra.

Singh said India was emerging among the early global pioneers in active space debris removal and that the country’s expanding technological capabilities reflected its commitment to creating a safer space environment for humanity.

The newly inaugurated Base 1 facility, spread across approximately 14,800 square feet, is designed to support the development, testing and operation of space robotics. It houses orbital rendezvous and capture laboratories, space robotics innovation labs, microgravity simulation platforms, satellite integration clean rooms and mission control facilities.

Congratulating the Cosmoserve Space team, Singh highlighted its work in active debris removal (ADR) and in-orbit servicing. He referred to Mission EMBRACE, which conducted an in-space test of soft robotic petals in July 2026, less than a year after the company’s formation.

The Minister said the team’s experience in ISRO and the Gaganyaan programme was being translated into private-sector innovation. He also pointed to partnerships with Pixxel for satellite systems, Dhruv Aerospace Netherlands for propulsion systems and Skyroot Aerospace for launch services as examples of an emerging integrated approach to space missions.

India’s Space Economy Expands
Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s space-sector reforms with opening new opportunities for private enterprises and startups. He said the establishment of NewSpace India Limited and IN-SPACe had helped reshape the country’s space ecosystem.

According to the Minister, India’s space economy has grown to nearly USD 9 billion and is projected to reach USD 40–45 billion over the coming decade. The country’s space startup ecosystem, he added, has expanded from single-digit numbers to nearly 450 enterprises.

He said India had the scientific talent and technological capabilities required to become a major space power, but needed an enabling ecosystem to unlock the potential of its young innovators.

Calling for greater participation from domestic and international investors, Singh also urged increased philanthropic support for science and research to accelerate innovation and strengthen emerging technologies.

Focus on Self-Reliance and Global Partnerships
The Minister said India’s long-term objective was to achieve technological self-reliance and sovereign capabilities while continuing to build international partnerships.

Referring to the Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan programmes, he said India’s achievements demonstrated its ability to undertake sophisticated space missions at comparatively lower costs.

He also highlighted the role of space technology in improving life on Earth, citing applications in Gati Shakti, smart cities and disaster preparedness.

Describing Cosmoserve Space’s initiative as an example of Vishwa Bandhu Bharat, Singh said India’s commitment to space sustainability extended beyond national boundaries and could benefit humanity as a whole.

He congratulated the startup for its contribution to developing a cleaner and safer space environment and expressed his intention to visit the Hyderabad facility in person.