Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has underscored India’s burgeoning role as a global pioneer in space debris removal and in-orbit servicing, announcing a vision to achieve debris-free space by 2030.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the minister virtually inaugurated Cosmoserve Space’s Base 1 facility in Hyderabad, a state-of-the-art center dedicated to designing, building, testing, and operating space robots for active space debris removal and in-orbit servicing missions. The facility, spanning approximately 14,800 square feet, signifies a substantial advancement in India’s private space capabilities.
Speaking from Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi, Dr. Singh highlighted that India’s emerging capabilities in this critical domain reflect its growing global leadership in space technology and its commitment to fostering a safe and sustainable outer space environment for all of humanity. He emphasized that the nation’s endeavors in this area are crucial for ensuring the longevity and usability of space for future generations.
The inauguration ceremony, held at VSD Tech Park in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, was attended by Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Minister for IT and Industries, Government of Telangana, as the Guest of Honour, and Dr. Chiranjeevi Phanindra, Founder and CEO of Cosmoserve Space. Dr. Singh joined the proceedings virtually as the Chief Guest.
Congratulating Cosmoserve Space, Dr. Singh detailed the capabilities of Base 1, noting its specialized laboratories for orbital rendezvous and capture, space robotics innovation, microgravity simulation, and satellite integration clean rooms. These facilities are pivotal for developing the advanced technologies required for space debris management.
The minister commended Dr. Chiranjeevi Phanindra and his team for their pioneering work, specifically mentioning Mission EMBRACE, which successfully conducted an in-space test of soft robotic petals in July 2026. He also acknowledged the valuable experience the team brings from their contributions to ISRO and the Gaganyaan program, which is now being leveraged within the private sector through a collaborative model.
Dr. Singh pointed out Cosmoserve Space’s strategic partnerships with companies like Pixel for satellite systems, Dhruv Aerospace Netherlands for propulsion, and Skyroot Aerospace for launch services. These collaborations, he noted, exemplify a burgeoning culture of end-to-end integration within India’s space technology sector, where startups are combining indigenous components and services to create comprehensive space missions and set international standards.
Attributing this progress to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s transformative space reforms initiated approximately five to six years ago, Dr. Singh explained how the establishment of NewSpace India Limited and IN-SPACe has fundamentally reshaped the country’s space ecosystem. He shared that India’s space economy has grown to nearly USD 9 billion and is projected to reach USD 40-45 billion in the next decade, with the number of space startups expanding from a few to nearly 450 enterprises.
The minister asserted that India has never lacked scientific talent or technological prowess; rather, it required an enabling ecosystem to unlock the full potential of its youth. He encouraged both domestic and international investors to actively participate in the space sector and called for increased philanthropic support for science and research to accelerate innovation and foster collaborations.
Dr. Singh reiterated India’s core objectives of achieving technological self-reliance and sovereign capabilities while fostering international partnerships. He cited India’s successes in the Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan programs as testaments to its ability to execute complex missions cost-effectively. Furthermore, he highlighted the transformative impact of India’s space capabilities on various sectors on Earth, including Gati Shakti, smart cities, and disaster preparedness, directly benefiting citizens.
The minister concluded by stating that Cosmoserve Space’s initiative embodies the spirit of ‘Vishwa bandhu Bharat’ (world-friendly India), extending the nation’s commitment to space sustainability beyond its borders for the betterment of humanity. He expressed his anticipation for a personal visit to the facility to interact with the Cosmoserve Space team.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
