Official UPSC Format

Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India's space programme :
1. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities.
2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world's first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine.
3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities.

2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world's first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine.

3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV.

⚡ Quick Recall Snippet

India's space sector liberalization is overseen by IN-SPACe. Private startups are achieving global milestones, such as Agnikul Cosmos launching the world's first fully 3D-printed rocket engine. However, heavy-lift ISRO vehicles like the GSLV rely exclusively on in-house government technology, not private fuel from companies like Skyroot.

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Detailed Solution & Authority Citations

Correct Answer is Option C
Evaluating the structural reforms in India's space sector under the Department of Space (DOS):
  • Statement 1 is Correct: Established in 2020, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) serves as an independent, single-window nodal agency. Its core mandate is to authorize, promote, and regulate the activities of Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in the space sector.

  • Statement 2 is Correct: In May 2024, the Chennai-based startup Agnikul Cosmos achieved a global aerospace milestone. They successfully launched the Agnibaan SOrTeD suborbital rocket, powered by 'Agnilet'—the world’s first single-piece, fully 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine.

  • Statement 3 is Incorrect: While Skyroot Aerospace is a highly successful private startup developing its own independent 'Vikram' series of launch vehicles, it does not develop liquid fuel or propulsion for the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). The GSLV is a heavy-lift rocket entirely owned and operated by ISRO. Its liquid stages (Vikas engine) and cryogenic fuels are developed strictly in-house by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
    • Conclusion: Since only statements 1 and 2 are accurate, Option C is the correct answer.

    🚨 The Examiner's Trap

    The examiner mixes a genuinely impressive private sector achievement (Skyroot's actual success with the Vikram rocket) with an exaggerated, false claim (supplying liquid fuel for the national heavy-lift GSLV) to trap candidates who vaguely know Skyroot is successful.

    Active Recall Flashcard

    Tap to Flip

    Which Indian private space startup launched the world's first suborbital flight using a fully 3D-printed rocket engine?

    Agnikul Cosmos.

    Concept Flow Mapping

    IN-SPACe
    Regulates
    Private Space Sector
    Agnikul Cosmos
    Developed
    3D-Printed Rocket Engine
    ISRO
    Develops Fuel For
    GSLV

    Logic Quest

    "Why does ISRO retain total control over GSLV technology?"

    Not analyzing core concepts like Commercialization of the Indian Space Sector through the lens of Previous Year Questions is a serious miss-out. This PYQ engine is specifically designed to help you decode the examiner's mindset and master highly probable Science & Technology questions for your upcoming Prelims.