The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), under the Department of Space, Government of India, has announced the selection of a PixxelSpace India-led consortium to design, build, and operate India’s first fully indigenous commercial Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation.
The consortium includes Piersight Space, Satsure Analytics India, and Dhruva Space. The project will be implemented under the pioneering Public-Private Partnership (EO-PPP) model.
A Competitive Selection Process
IN-SPACe carried out a rigorous competitive bidding process. Three consortia reached the shortlist after detailed technical evaluations:
- Astra Microwave Products Limited, Hyderabad (with Bharat Electronics Ltd., Sisir Radar & Spectragaze Systems)
- GalaxEye Space, Bengaluru (with CoreEL)
- PixxelSpace India Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru (with Piersight Space, Satsure Analytics India, and Dhruva Space)
After reviewing the financial bids, IN-SPACe declared the PixxelSpace-led consortium the winner.
A Milestone for India’s Private Space Sector
For the first time, a private consortium will invest over ₹1,200 crore in the next five years to launch a constellation of 12 advanced EO satellites. These satellites will carry panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral, and microwave SAR sensors.
Moreover, the constellation will deliver Analysis Ready Data (ARD) and Value-Added Services (VAS) for climate change monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, infrastructure, marine surveillance, national security, and urban planning. It will also address global demand for high-quality geospatial intelligence.
By producing high-resolution, indigenous satellite data, the project will cut India’s reliance on foreign sources, ensure data sovereignty, and position the country among the world’s leaders in space-based data solutions.
Leadership Speaks
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, said:
"This initiative signals the coming of age of India’s private space industry. It reflects the capability and confidence of Indian companies to lead large-scale, technologically advanced, and commercially viable space missions. The EO-PPP model fosters an ecosystem where public and private capabilities strengthen each other, driving growth, innovation, and self-reliance.”
Public-Private Partnership in Action
Under the PPP framework, the Government of India will provide strategic, technical, and policy support. Meanwhile, the PixxelSpace-led consortium will handle ownership and operation of the EO system, including satellite manufacturing, launches from Indian soil, ground infrastructure, and commercialization of data services.
Shri Rajeev Jyoti, Director, Technical Directorate, IN-SPACe, commented:
“All three shortlisted bidders submitted excellent technical and business plans, underscoring the maturity of India’s private space capabilities. This project is about building India’s own independent and future-ready geospatial infrastructure. It will lead to Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in high-resolution optical and radar data, catalyse innovation, create thousands of high-skill jobs, and contribute directly to our goal of growing India’s space economy from $8.4 billion in 2022 to $44 billion by 2033.”
Pixxel’s Vision
Awais Ahmed, CEO of Pixxel, stated:
“Being chosen to build India’s national EO constellation is a major milestone for Pixxel and our partners. We thank IN-SPACe and the Government of India for trusting us with this mission. Together with Satsure, Dhruva, and PierSight, we aim to create world-class space-tech capabilities that serve the entire planet from Indian soil. This is India’s moment to lead the world in space-powered solutio
Phased Deployment
The EO constellation will launch in phases over the next four years. This approach will ensure continuous service upgrades and expanded coverage. Once operational, it will rank among the world’s most advanced EO systems—designed, built, and operated entirely in India by Indian talent.
This initiative further confirms the Government of India’s commitment to space sector reforms and its determination to help Indian industry emerge as a global space economy leader.
