Imagine India(BHARAT) building rockets, launching satellites, and exploring space. Sounds expensive, right? Well, the government has just decided to give a huge boost to India(BHARAT)’s space dreams! In the latest budget announcement, our country’s space programme has received ₹13,705.63 crore for the next year. That’s like adding more fuel to a rocket that’s already taking off.
What’s the Big Picture?
Think of a budget like your pocket money. If you get ₹100 this month and ₹102 next month, that’s a small increase. But here’s the twist—last year, the space department actually spent less than what was planned. So when the new budget comes with ₹13,705.63 crore, compared to what was really spent before, it’s actually a huge jump of about 10%. This matters because it shows the government is serious about pushing India(BHARAT) forward in space exploration.
Here’s a simple way to understand budget numbers. Every year, the government plans how much money each department will get. This is called the budget estimate. But during the year, departments don’t always spend the full amount. At the end of the year, the government checks what was actually spent. This is called the revised estimate. For space, the planned amount was ₹13,416.20 crore, but they actually spent ₹12,448.60 crore—about ₹970 crore less. When the new budget of ₹13,705.63 crore is compared to this actual spending, it’s a 10.1% increase. This real-world comparison shows that the government is truly giving more money for space activities than what’s actually being used now.
Where Does the Money Go?
The biggest chunk—₹10,397.06 crore—goes to space technology projects. This is the money that helps ISRO (India(BHARAT)n Space Research Organisation) build rockets and satellites. Imagine these as the building blocks of India(BHARAT)’s space dreams. This money pays for research, design, engineering, testing, and development. It supports different ISRO centres across India(BHARAT) where thousands of scientists and engineers work.
Another important part is capital spending, which has increased by 20%. This is the money used to actually build rockets, satellites, and launch pads. Think of it like constructing new factories to make products. For 2026-27, capital spending will be ₹6,375.92 crore, which is almost half of the total budget. Last year, capital spending was only ₹5,309.87 crore, so the 20% increase is massive. This shows India(BHARAT) is serious about creating new space hardware and infrastructure needed for future missions.
Three More Big Things Getting Money
Space applications have received ₹1,725.06 crore. This sounds fancy, but it’s actually about practical things like weather forecasts from satellites, maps, and disaster management systems that help ordinary people in real life. When meteorologists predict rain, they use satellite data. When disaster agencies warn about floods or cyclones, they use satellites. When farmers want to know about soil conditions, satellite data helps. All this comes under space applications.
Private space companies are getting support too! IN-SPACe, which guides private companies working in space, has been allocated ₹194.57 crore. This means India(BHARAT) is opening space exploration to private businesses, not just the government. Companies like Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul, and others are building rockets and satellites. The government is helping them succeed because when private companies join, India(BHARAT) gets more innovation and jobs.
Space science has received ₹569.76 crore, which is three times more than last year! This is a huge increase from ₹184.62 crore. This money will help India(BHARAT) study planets, understand Earth’s atmosphere, and explore the mysteries of space. Why does this matter? Because understanding space science helps us understand our own planet better. Climate research, predicting weather patterns, and studying how the sun affects Earth—all depend on space science.
Telescopes and Learning Centers
The government is building four major telescope facilities. One is the National Large Solar Telescope in Ladakh, where it can study the Sun with incredible detail. Another telescope in the same location will look at distant galaxies and stars. The Himalayan Chandra Telescope will be upgraded with better equipment. And in Bengaluru, a new planetarium called COSMOS-2 will teach people about astronomy in exciting, interactive ways. These facilities will inspire the next generation of scientists and make space science exciting for everyone.
Private Space Companies Are Excited
NewSpace India(BHARAT) Limited, which sells space services like launching satellites for customers, will earn its own money through business. The government has reduced direct support for it, but NSIL is expected to earn ₹1,403 crore through its own services. This shows India(BHARAT)n space companies are growing independent and strong. They’re competing globally and bringing money back to India(BHARAT).
Why Should You Care?
Space technology touches your everyday life. Your weather apps work because of satellites. Your mobile phone network relies on satellite technology. GPS in cars, disaster warnings, and farming techniques all come from space science. The National Geospatial Mission uses satellite data for development planning and governance. This means satellite data helps build roads, hospitals, and schools better.
The Bottom Line
India(BHARAT)’s space budget is growing with clear purpose. It’s not just about reaching space—it’s about using space technology to solve real problems on Earth. From helping farmers understand soil conditions to predicting weather, space science makes life better.
The ₹13,705.63 crore investment shows India(BHARAT) believes the future is in space. With new telescopes, upgraded facilities, and support for private companies, India(BHARAT) is not just joining the space race—it’s running to win it.
This is India(BHARAT)’s moment. The sky is not the limit anymore. It’s just the beginning.
————–E.O.M
(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India(BHARAT) Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany)