India targets debris-free space by 2030 as Hyderabad startup opens facility
Hyderabad: India is targeting debris-free space by 2030, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced on Thursday. He unveiled the vision while inaugurating Cosmoserve Space’s Base 1 facility in Hyderabad, marking a major step in India’s private space capabilities.
Speaking virtually from New Delhi, Singh said India was emerging among the early global pioneers in space debris removal. He described the initiative as part of India’s commitment to making outer space safer and more sustainable for humanity.
The inauguration at VSD Tech Park in Gachibowli was attended by Telangana IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu and Cosmoserve Space founder and CEO Dr. Chiranjeevi Phanindra. Singh joined the programme virtually as chief guest.
The facility spans approximately 14,800 square feet and supports the design, construction, testing and operation of space robots. It houses orbital rendezvous and capture laboratories, space robotics innovation labs, microgravity simulation platforms and satellite integration clean rooms. These capabilities will support active debris removal and in-orbit servicing missions.
Singh congratulated Phanindra and his team for advancing these technologies. He highlighted Mission EMBRACE, which tested soft robotic petals in space in July 2026, within a year of the company’s formation. He also praised the team’s experience in ISRO and the Gaganyaan programme.
Space debris removal strengthens India’s space economy
Singh said Cosmoserve Space’s partnerships with Pixel for satellite systems, Dhruv Aerospace Netherlands for propulsion and Skyroot Aerospace for launch services demonstrated growing collaboration among Indian space companies. The partnerships combine indigenous payloads, battery technologies, satellite systems and private launch capabilities to develop integrated missions.
The Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s space reforms with transforming India’s space ecosystem. He said the establishment of NewSpace India Limited and IN-SPACe had helped unlock private-sector participation over the past five to six years.
India’s space economy has grown to nearly USD 9 billion and is projected to reach USD 40–45 billion in the coming decade. Meanwhile, the country’s space startup ecosystem has expanded from single digits to nearly 450 enterprises.
Singh said India had scientific talent and technological capabilities but needed an enabling ecosystem to realise its potential. He called for greater investment from domestic and international investors. Additionally, he urged more philanthropy in science and research to accelerate innovation and support emerging technologies.
He stressed that technological self-reliance and sovereign capabilities remained India’s priorities alongside international partnerships. India’s Chandrayaan missions and Gaganyaan programme demonstrated its ability to undertake sophisticated missions at significantly lower costs.
The Minister also highlighted the wider benefits of space technology for citizens. Applications in Gati Shakti, smart cities and disaster preparedness are transforming services and improving life on Earth.
Singh said Cosmoserve Space’s initiative reflected the spirit of Vishwa Bandhu Bharat by extending India’s commitment to space sustainability beyond national boundaries. He said such efforts would strengthen India’s global leadership and geopolitical standing. He also expressed eagerness to visit the facility and interact with its team in person.
