When most people think of space travel, they imagine massive rockets soaring skyward, carrying satellites the size of small cars. That image, however, is changing—and fast. In recent years, smaller rockets and compact satellites have begun to take centre stage. They’re not just shrinking the hardware—they’re redrawing the entire landscape of space access.
India, with its unique blend of ambition and resourcefulness, is playing a key role in this shift.
The Shift Towards Smaller, Smarter Launches
Not too long ago, sending even a modest satellite into space meant relying on large-scale rockets, months of coordination, and often, a hefty budget. For smaller companies, universities, or independent research groups, space was simply out of reach.
That’s no longer the case.
With the rise of lightweight satellites—like CubeSats and nano payloads—we’re now seeing a growing demand for smaller launch vehicles. These mini rockets aren’t built to carry dozens of tonnes; instead, they cater to precision missions that require agility over bulk. They can be launched more often, tailored to specific orbits, and most importantly, they make satellite deployment far more accessible.
India’s Evolving Role in the Space Race
While global giants like SpaceX have been grabbing headlines, India has quietly carved out its place as a serious contender. ISRO’s track record for efficient, cost-sensitive launches is widely respected. But what’s turning heads now is India’s move into the small satellite launch segment.
One key development is ISRO’s SSLV—Small Satellite Launch Vehicle. Designed to deliver payloads of up to 500 kg into orbit, SSLV can be built and launched much faster than traditional rockets. It's well-suited to serve businesses and academic groups looking for direct access to space without the red tape or delays of shared missions.
Just as importantly, India has opened its space sector to private companies—an important and timely move.
A Thriving Startup Ecosystem
What makes this moment truly exciting is the new energy coming from India’s startup scene. Companies like AgniKul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace are working on customisable mini launch vehicles, some of which can be built in modular parts or even 3D printed. These aren’t large corporations with massive R&D budgets—they’re lean teams, often started by graduates from the best private engineering colleges in India, proving that high-end space tech can come from a 20-person lab in Hyderabad just as easily as from Silicon Valley.
What sets them apart is not just innovation, but purpose. These teams are designing rockets for researchers, students, and commercial players who couldn’t otherwise afford access to orbit.
Remembering Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: The Man Behind the Momentum
In conversations about India’s rocket journey, one name always stands tall—Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Long before India entered the global spotlight for space achievements, Kalam envisioned a future where the country could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with world powers in science and technology.
As a scientist and later the President of India, Dr. Kalam championed the idea that space was not a luxury—it was a tool for national development. He inspired young engineers to dream beyond Earth and gave credibility to the idea that world-class innovation could come from Indian soil.
Today’s mini rocket programs are, in many ways, an extension of his vision—making space more reachable, especially for the next generation.
Opening the Door for Everyone
One of the most powerful effects of these small satellite missions is how they’re making space less exclusive. Schools and research labs can now design and launch their own satellites. Nations without traditional space programs can send up environmental sensors. Startups can monitor farmland or track fishing vessels with their own satellites, rather than renting expensive foreign data.
And India is helping make this possible—not just by launching these missions, but by offering the infrastructure, policy support, and technical collaboration needed to scale them.
What Lies Ahead
As technology continues to get more compact and smarter, the need for nimble, frequent launches will only grow. Mini rockets are becoming essential—not optional. And the world will be looking toward countries like India, not just for affordable launches, but for leadership in making space a place for problem-solving, not just prestige.
What once seemed too complex, too expensive, or too distant is now within reach. And that, perhaps more than anything else, is what makes this moment in rocket science so remarkable.