IN-SPACe leads space-tech delegation to Italy, firms announce deals

BENGALURU: India’s space regulator-cum-promoter the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) led a delegation of space-tech companies to the Space Meetings Veneto 2026 held in Venice, Italy, where several Indian firms announced partnerships with European companies.The event, organised by Advanced Business Events and supported by the Italian Trade Agency and Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, brought together space industry companies, startups, policymakers and technology providers from multiple countries.Nine Indian companies were part of the delegation, including Astrogate Labs, Astrobase Space Technologies, VyomIC, Suhora, Kepler Aerospace, Hyspace Technologies, TakeMe2Space, Jarbits Pvt Ltd and Dhruva Space.Among the agreements announced during the visit, Karnataka-based Astrobase Space Technologies signed an MoU with Italy’s Impulso Space to support customer access and explore launch opportunities through integrated mission management and launch service networks.Kepler Aerospace signed a framework agreement with Apogeo Space to expand ground station as a service (GSaaS) infrastructure and strengthen satellite collaboration between India and Europe. The companies will also explore cooperation in CubeSat systems, payload technologies and mission operations.AMeanwhile, VyomIC announced a collaboration focused on navigation and resilient infrastructure technologies during the event. The delegation was led by PK Jain, director (programme management and authorisation directorate), IN-SPACe.“India’s participation reflects the growing global confidence in the country’s space capabilities and private sector ecosystem. More importantly, this year’s engagements translated into meaningful strategic partnerships between Indian and international space companies,” Jain said.According to IN-SPACe, the visit follows the Italian aerospace delegation’s visit to India in 2025 and forms part of efforts to deepen commercial space cooperation between India and Italy under the 2025–2029 India–Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan announced during the G20 Summit in 2024.