India is advancing its capabilities in space debris removal and in-orbit servicing, with the government setting a vision of achieving debris-free space by 2030. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the vision while inaugurating Cosmoserve Space’s Base 1 facility in Hyderabad on 5 November 2026.
According to a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Dr. Singh said India is emerging as one of the early global pioneers in space debris removal, reflecting the country’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to space sustainability.
Located at VSD Tech Park, Gachibowli, the approximately 14,800 sq ft Base 1 facility is designed for the development, testing and operation of space robotics. It houses specialised infrastructure, including orbital rendezvous and capture laboratories, space robotics innovation labs, microgravity simulation platforms, satellite integration clean rooms and mission control facilities.
The Minister also highlighted the progress of India’s private space sector, noting that the country’s space startup ecosystem has expanded from single digits to nearly 450 following the space sector reforms introduced by the government.
He further stated that India’s space economy has grown to nearly USD 9 billion, with a target of reaching USD 40–45 billion over the coming decade.
Cosmoserve Space’s work in active debris removal and in-orbit servicing was also highlighted during the inauguration. Its Mission EMBRACE, which tested soft robotic petals in space in July 2026, marked an important step in the development of these technologies.
Dr. Singh called for greater investment, collaboration and philanthropic support to accelerate India’s space technology ambitions. He said initiatives such as Cosmoserve Space reflect India’s commitment to developing space technologies that contribute to global space sustainability.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said Cosmoserve Space’s partnerships with Pixel for satellite systems, Dhruv Aerospace Netherlands for propulsion systems and Skyroot Aerospace for launch services demonstrate an emerging culture of end-to-end collaboration in space technology. The initiative showcases how Indian startups are combining indigenous payloads, battery technologies, satellite systems and private launch capabilities to build integrated space missions and establish global benchmarks.
Crediting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s transformative space reforms for unlocking India’s immense potential, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the journey initiated around five to six years ago, followed by the establishment of NewSpace India Limited and IN-SPACe, has fundamentally reshaped the country’s space ecosystem. India’s space economy has grown to nearly USD 9 billion and is projected to reach USD 40–45 billion in the coming decade, while its space startup ecosystem has expanded from a single-digit number to nearly 450 enterprises.
The Minister said India never lacked scientific talent or technological capabilities; what was needed was an enabling ecosystem to unlock the immense potential of its youth. He called upon domestic and international investors to participate more actively in the space sector and urged greater philanthropy in science and research to accelerate innovation, strengthen collaborations and support emerging technologies.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s ultimate objective remains technological self-reliance and sovereign capabilities, alongside international partnerships. India’s achievements in Chandrayaan and the Gaganyaan programme demonstrate its ability to undertake sophisticated missions at significantly lower costs. He also emphasised that India’s space capabilities are transforming life on Earth through applications in Gati Shakti, smart cities, disaster preparedness and several other areas directly benefiting citizens.
The Minister said Cosmoserve Space’s initiative embodies the spirit of Vishwa bandhu Bharat, extending India’s commitment to space sustainability beyond national boundaries to the benefit of humanity. He congratulated the team for contributing to a cleaner and safer space environment and said such initiatives would strengthen India’s global leadership in space technology and enhance its geopolitical stature.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his eagerness to visit the facility in person at the earliest opportunity and interact with the Cosmoserve Space team.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
