India’s space industry plans human spaceflight tests, commercial expansion in 2026

India’s space industry plans human spaceflight tests, commercial expansion in 2026
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After sending its first astronaut to the International Space Station, autonomously docking two satellites, and launching the heaviest payload this year, India’s space industry is now preparing for the first uncrewed test of its human spaceflight program in 2026, Arab News reported.

Over the past few years, India has been establishing its position in the global space industry. India currently accounts for about 2 percent of the $450 billion global space economy, with its share expected to rise to nearly 8 percent by 2033, driven largely by private companies.

In 2025, the country’s space sector had more than 300 active startups operating in rocket launches, satellites, Earth observation, satellite communications, propulsion, electronics, space monitoring, and data analytics, according to Indian Space Association data.