Synopsis
In a significant boost for the space sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a budget allocation of Rs 13,415.20 crore for the Department of Space in Union Budget 2025-26. This funding aims to support key projects including satellite launches and deep-space missions, alongside the launch of a National Geospatial Mission.Key Takeaways
- Rs 13,415.20 crore allocated to the space sector.
- Rs 6,103 crore earmarked for capital outlay on space research.
- Focus on major missions like Ganganyaan and Chandrayaan-4.
- Introduction of a National Geospatial Mission.
- Removal of customs duties on satellite ground installations.
New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) In a significant move to enhance the space sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed an allocation of Rs 13,415.20 crore for the Department of Space in the Union Budget 2025-26.
The latest budget allocates Rs 6,103 crore specifically for capital outlays related to space research. This funding is anticipated to support a range of ambitious projects, including satellite launches and deep-space missions.
With this increase, India is preparing for significant upcoming space endeavors, such as the Ganganyaan mission, which aims to send humans into space, alongside the Moon mission, the establishment of the Indian space station, and Chandrayaan-4.
This boost in funding is expected to promote the integration of space-based applications into vital sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.
This notable increase from previous budgets reflects the government’s dedication to advancing India’s space initiatives. The Union Budget 2024-25 had previously allocated Rs 13,042.75 crore for the space sector. Additionally, a Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund to encourage private sector involvement in India’s space industry was introduced last year.
The rise in space funding coincides with India’s remarkable achievements in space technology, including the successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission and the Aditya-L1 solar observation project, highlighting the nation’s expanding space capabilities.
According to Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt (retd), Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), "The increase in the space budget marks a crucial advancement for strengthening India’s space ecosystem, fostering innovation, and boosting global competitiveness."
The government has also abolished customs duties on ground installations for satellites, which includes spares, consumables, and essential materials necessary for constructing launch vehicles and facilitating satellite deployments.
Bhatt expressed, "This long-awaited reform aligns with the industry's needs, and we appreciate the government's attentiveness to the sector's demands."
In conjunction with this, the Finance Minister announced the initiation of a National Geospatial Mission within the Budget 2025-26.
This mission aims to modernize land records and improve urban planning throughout India. It will leverage the existing PM Gati Shakti framework to establish foundational geospatial infrastructure and data, thereby enhancing the design and execution of infrastructure projects.
Geospatial pertains to data or information linked to a specific location on the Earth’s surface. The National Geospatial Mission is projected to profoundly influence various sectors, particularly in urban development and land management.
Experts have noted that the announcement of the National Geospatial Mission signifies the government’s increasing commitment to utilizing the downstream capabilities of the space technology sector.
Esri India Managing Director Agendra Kumar commented, "Users in government, private enterprises, and industries have long faced challenges due to inadequate foundational data. The National Geospatial Mission will provide essential resources to develop geospatial data that will serve as a cornerstone for social and economic growth."
