UPSC Prelims 2026 Question:

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? 

Answer: 3 

Explanation:  

Private participation in India’s space programme was enabled through recent space-sector reforms, with  IN-SPACe acting as the single-window body for authorisation and promotion of non-government entities.  Indian private space start-ups such as Agnikul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace have developed launch-vehicle  technologies, but their roles must be distinguished from ISRO’s GSLV programme. 

• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre is an autonomous single-window  agency under the Department of Space. It was created to promote, authorise and facilitate participation  of private entities in India’s space sector. So, statement 1 is correct. 
• Agnikul Cosmos launched Agnibaan SOrTeD in 2024 using a single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic  rocket engine. PIB described it as the world’s first rocket with a fully 3D-printed engine. So, statement  2 is correct. 
• Skyroot Aerospace is a private launch-vehicle company known for the Vikram series of rockets. It has not  developed liquid fuel for ISRO’s GSLV, which is an ISRO launch vehicle programme. So, statement  3 is not correct. 

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.