Science & Tech 06 November 2026
Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Hyderabad Space Robotics Facility; Outlines Debris-Free Space Vision for 2030
Why in the News?
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, virtually inaugurated Cosmoserve Space’s 'Base 1' facility in Hyderabad, dedicated to active space debris removal and in-orbit servicing, while setting a target for Debris-Free Space by 2030.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Infrastructure & Capabilities (Base 1 Facility):
- The 14,800-square-foot facility at VSD Tech Park in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, integrates the design, testing, and operation of space robots.
- Houses orbital rendezvous and capture laboratories, microgravity simulation platforms, satellite integration clean rooms, and mission control centers.
- Mission EMBRACE Landmark:
- Highlighted the success of Cosmoserve Space's Mission EMBRACE, which successfully executed an in-space test of soft robotic petals in July 2026 for debris capture.
- Space Economy Projections:
- India’s space economy has grown to nearly $9 billion and is projected to reach $40–$45 billion over the coming decade.
- The number of space startups in India has expanded to nearly 450.
- Prominent Dignitaries:
- Attended in Hyderabad by Telangana IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu and Cosmoserve Space Founder & CEO Dr. Chiranjeevi Phanindra.
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Static GK Facts:
- IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre):
- Formed: June 2020 | Headquarters: Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Chairman: Pawan Kumar Goenka.
- NSIL (NewSpace India Limited):
- Formed: March 6, 2019 | Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka | Role: Commercial arm of ISRO.
- ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation):
- Formed: August 15, 1969 | Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka | Chairman: Dr. V. Narayanan (assumed office on January 14, 2025).
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: In which city was Cosmoserve Space's 'Base 1' space robotics facility inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh?
A: Hyderabad (Gachibowli)
Q: What is India's target year to achieve a 'Debris-Free Space' vision?
A: 2030
Q: Who is serving as the Chairman of ISRO in 2026?
A: Dr. V. Narayanan
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