India's space sector targets reusable rockets and affordable travel

India is advancing its space capabilities through both private innovation and human spaceflight initiatives. Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based startup, has announced plans for Mission-02, targeted for the first half of 2027. The mission aims to achieve India’s first private recovery of an orbital-class rocket booster. The Agnibaan small-satellite launch vehicle will utilize 3D-printed Agnilet semi-cryogenic engines and attempt a controlled sea splashdown of its first stage to demonstrate reusability.

Separately, Gaganyaan astronaut-designate Angad Pratap highlighted the importance of private sector participation in building space infrastructure. Pratap noted that the goal is to make human spaceflight more affordable, suggesting that sub-orbital flights could become accessible to the general public over the next few decades as costs decline.