India is stepping up its efforts to address the growing challenge of orbital pollution, with Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh announcing an ambitious target of achieving debris-free space by 2030. The announcement underscores India’s emergence as one of the early global participants in developing technologies for removing space debris and maintaining safer orbital environments.
On November 5, 2026, Singh virtually inaugurated Base 1, a new facility established by Cosmoserve Space in Hyderabad. Telangana’s Minister for IT and Industries, D. Sridhar Babu, attended the programme. Covering approximately 14,800 square feet, the facility will focus on developing, manufacturing, testing, and operating advanced space robots designed for active debris removal (ADR) and in-orbit satellite servicing. Its infrastructure includes orbital rendezvous and capture laboratories, microgravity simulation platforms, and clean rooms for satellite integration.
Cosmoserve Space has already demonstrated progress through its Mission EMBRACE, which tested soft robotic petals in space in July 2026, less than a year after the company’s establishment. Its technology development is supported by partnerships with Pixxel for satellite systems, Dhruv Aerospace Netherlands for propulsion technology, and Skyroot Aerospace for launch services.
Highlighting the impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s space sector reforms, Singh noted that India’s space economy has expanded to approximately $9 billion. Its value is expected to rise to between $40 billion and $45 billion over the coming decade, reflecting growing opportunities across the industry.
India’s space startup ecosystem has also experienced substantial expansion, increasing from single-digit numbers to nearly 450 enterprises. Organisations such as NewSpace India Limited and IN-SPACe have supported this development by strengthening the country’s commercial space ecosystem.
Singh encouraged domestic and international investors to explore opportunities in India’s rapidly developing space industry. The government sees advanced robotics, satellite servicing, and debris removal as important areas for future innovation, commercial investment, and international collaboration.
