Spacetech startups who have been invited by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (INSPACe) to meet Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk during his visit to India on Monday, will focus on showcasing the Indian space ecosystem, said industry executives. Any possible tie-up between the domestic startups and SpaceX is ruled out as the two operate at very different levels in terms of scale as well as technology.
Founders of companies like Agnikul Cosmos, Skyroot Aerospace, Dhruva Space, Pixxel, SatSure, Digantara, and KaleidEO said that the invitation from the government is for a non-agenda meeting with Musk.
“We have been invited to present what the Indian space startup ecosystem is doing, as well as showcase the indigenous tech capabilities. We will give a snapshot of what the investor sentiment towards the sector is both from a private and government perspective,” said one founder who will attend the meeting.
While concrete business discussions may not be on the agenda, the meeting provides an opportunity for the budding private space industry to highlight its innovations and ambitions directly to Musk.
The meeting comes just weeks after a government-facilitated tour by some startup founders and ISRO officials to SpaceX’s California facilities under a US State Department programme. Several Indian firms, like Pixxel and Digantara, have already used SpaceX’s launch services.
The government recently allowed 100% FDI for manufacturing of space components and systems, which provides a potential boost to domestic startups working on capital-intensive space products.
Tracxn in a report in August 2023 had noted that India has shown a remarkable display of growth and innovation, and India’s space-tech startup ecosystem has secured its position as a formidable contender on the global stage.
According to Tracxn, India ranks seventh in terms of funding within the international SpaceTech landscape for the year.
