Indian space startups are increasingly looking at the United States as a critical platform for global expansion, going beyond its role as the preferred destination for Indian students. Startups such as Bellatrix Aerospace, Pixxel, and Digantara have already set up shop in the US, while numerous others are seeking partnerships and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to cement their presence after showcasing their technologies, according to multiple founders interviewed by ET.

With the US space economy worth $237 billion, the startups are establishing offices, subsidiaries, and manufacturing facilities to tap into the opportunities that lie here. They are trying to establish credibility in a market where credibility plays a huge role while trying to navigate intricate defense and regulatory structures.

GalaxEye, a Bengaluru based Infosys-funded firm, aims to take its operations to the US in the next 12 to 15 months after the release of its Drishti Mission.

Bellatrix Aerospace, incubated at IIT-Madras and focused on satellite propulsion systems similar to engines for automobiles highlighted the need to have a presence in the US, which has more than 50% of the world's commercial space market. Co-founder Yashas Karanam said, "Having a facility enables us to create local value and tap into more opportunities."