Why India must invest in radical space technology

India’s space ambitions are at a critical juncture, buoyed by the success of its missions to Moon and Mars, and driven by bold policies such as BioE3. The policy, introduced earlier this year, supports high performance biomanufacturing in cutting-edge space research and radical ideas such as factories in space. To make the most of this focus on the next generation of space research and technologies, the country must invest in nascent but brave ideas.

Researchers in India are working on the next generation of inflatable aerodynamic decelerators that can slow down crew capsule reentry for easier and safer landings, and biological satellite payloads¹ to study the effect of microgravity and space radiation on living organisms. They are also exploring the origin of life and the possibilities of extra-terrestrial life. Space bricks² — using local materials to build habitats on the Moon or Mars —, space mining and extra-terrestrial manufacturing are innovations that can overcome the high cost of transporting resources from Earth for future space missions and colonisation.

Such ideas may be experimental, unproven, or in the conceptual phase but they hold significant potential for breakthroughs. Investing in these early-stage projects increases the chances of uncovering novel technologies that might not come from more mature, market-ready initiatives.

The history of space exploration supports this perspective. The mid-20th century saw landmark achievements like the Moon landing, planetary probes, and the rise of Earth observation satellites, which laid the foundation for space exploration and commercial ventures. By the late 20th century, private and multinational space missions marked the start of a “second space age,” with the International Space Station (ISS), launched in 1998, becoming a major research hub. Its microgravity experiments spurred innovations like ZBLAN glass fibers, while asteroid mining is now being actively pursued by emerging startups.

These concepts are at the forefront of the ‘Make in Space’ paradigm, where entrepreneurs will use Earth orbits for more than just observation. A key application harnessing orbital microgravity is 3D printing of sensitive biological tissues. Research on the ISS has already shown potential for tissue culture and bioprinting, with microgravity eliminating many gravitational constraints.

Space agencies traditionally focus on mission execution, which requires high technology readiness. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed missions to the Moon and Mars and is now preparing for a human mission. Agencies like InSpace, a government body supporting space entrepreneurship, are encouraging industry engagement. India should now prioritize funding for foundational research and early-stage prototypes with lower technology readiness.

A strong “space triad” that aligns academia, industry, and space agencies will boost this process. Currently, India’s space investments are primarily directed at technology development and mission execution. ISRO’s support for academic research is limited to specific institutions, while space research demands substantial, centrally managed funds to ensure steady advancement.

A dedicated funding entity should be established to elevate bold ideas from lab to orbit to achieve this. Functioning under the Department of Space but independent of ISRO, this organization could back scientific missions, such as advanced space telescopes, fund cutting-edge projects, collaborate with departments like Science and Technology and Biotechnology, and lead public outreach.

This approach would expand India’s space research capabilities by supporting new ideas and partnerships. A strong focus on fundamental research in space science and technology will solidify India’s position as a leading force in shaping the future of space exploration.

[Aloke Kumar is an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.]