SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is visiting India on April 22 for the first time ever. He’s planning to meet with some of India’s space technology startups. These startups, like Skyroot Aerospace, Dhruva Space, Piersight, and Digantara, were invited by the government to have discussions with Musk in New Delhi. The government invited these startups after visiting SpaceX’s US facilities.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to Meet Spacetech Startups
While the exact details of the meeting haven’t been announced yet, Musk is expected to talk to the Spacetech Startups to learn about their projects. The startups will get to show Musk the technologies they’re working on during the meeting. Companies such as Skyroot Space, Agnikul Cosmos, Bellatrix Aerospace, and Dhruva Space are among those invited.
Space tech startups are set for another meeting with the Indian Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) on April 17, where they hope to receive more information about their upcoming discussion with Elon Musk. There’s anticipation around Musk’s satellite project, Starlink, possibly getting approval to launch satellite communication services in India. According to reports, the government is currently reviewing Starlink’s license application, focusing on financial and security concerns.
Earlier in March, as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), IN-SPACe facilitated meetings for various space tech startups, including Digantara, Skyroot Aerospace, Dhruva, Piersight, among others, with leading US tech businesses. Although they visited SpaceX’s facility, they didn’t meet Musk. While the agenda for the upcoming meeting remains undisclosed, it’s reported that Musk plans to interact with the startups to learn about their innovations, and the startups will showcase their technologies to him.
Starlink’s License Progress and India’s Space Sector Policies
Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite project, faced hurdles due to ownership declaration issues when applying for a permit in India in November 2022. However, it has now resolved this by submitting a declaration. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is fast-tracking Starlink’s license process ahead of Musk’s India visit, considering a trial spectrum for its satellite communication services. India’s recent policy amendment, which allows 100% FDI in the space sector, aims to attract investors. Musk may discuss plans for a $2-3 billion EV manufacturing facility during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
With SpaceX and Blue Origin eyeing India’s space tech market, projected to reach $44 billion by 2033, competition is intensifying. SpaceX’s entry could shake up the rocket launch market dominated by ISRO, offering affordable launches and transforming the sector into a competitive market. Startups like Skyroot and Agnikul are also poised to offer competitively priced services.
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