Startup revolution key to growth in space technology, says NRSC Director

With a strong call for startup-driven transformation of India’s space sector, Andhra Pradesh Space Technology Summit-2026 was inaugurated at Vignan University at Vadlamudi in Guntur district on Thursday.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Director of National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC), Hyderabad. Prakash Chauhan says a ‘revolution in startups’ is needed to accelerate growth in space technology.

Jointly organized by Vignan University, Andhra Pradesh SpaceTech Academy and Ananth Technologies, the summit is organized under the theme ‘Leveraging Space Technology for Viksit Bharat-2047’.

Dr. Chauhan noted that following policy reforms, India’s space startup ecosystem has grown rapidly from just a handful three years ago to almost 300 now. Earth observation, communication and navigation satellites will be critical for agriculture, disaster management, climate monitoring, transportation and digital services, he said.

He highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s strategic advantage with Sriharikota and strong academia-industry linkages.

MT Krishna Babu, Special Secretary, Department of Infrastructure and Investments, said that the space sector offers world-class opportunities for the youth and will play a key role in achieving the Viksit Bharat-2047 goals.

Lavu Rathaiah, president of Vignan, emphasized that national development is impossible without space technology.

‘South India Rocketry Competition–2026’ was launched during the event and AP SpaceTech Academy launched its first publication, Space Tech Spectrum Journal.