India’s prominence in the global spacetech ecosystem is rapidly growing and the recent $7 million seed funding round led by Ashish Kacholia for XDLINX Space Labs tells the same story. It is a deeper shift towards self-reliance and global competitiveness in space technology. The vision of XDLINX to create cost-effective satellites with 75 percent indigenous subsystems highlights potential of the country to participate as well as lead the space race.
XDLINX focus on end-to-end small satellite mission services and provides a complete package from design to mission operations. This reflects how such startups are helping in national defense and commercial space. Moreover, India’s next project is launching of the world’s first miniaturized E-band payload on SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission. It signals a bold move that could further strengthen India’s technological foothold in space.
The rise of XDLINX aligns with a broader trend of India moving aggressively into the space economy. The country’s space sector is projected to grow to $13 billion by 2025 and claims to a 10 percent share of the global market. Such growth is not a target, but also a necessity amid the world increasingly looking at privatization and commercialization of space exploration and technology.
The active involvement of Indian government with Rs 1,000 crore venture fund is an important factor in the sector. The full 100 percent FDI provision in the space sector shows that India is serious about bringing in global capital and expertise to fuel this journey.
XDLINX Space Labs is a prime example of how India’s spacetech startups are no longer content with simply following the lead of global giants like NASA or SpaceX.
