ThePrint PrintPod: Space insurance is gaining traction among Indian startups after PSLV failure
Jan 22, 2026
The recent PSLV-C62 failure reveals a pressing need for space insurance among Indian startups. Despite this, many lack coverage due to high premiums and limited options. The case of Theos-2 illustrates the protective benefits of insurance, contrasting with uninsured Indian satellites. Orbit congestion raises liability risks for these startups, while the domestic insurance market remains underdeveloped. As the global space insurance market grows, Indian firms hope for more customized policies with a rise in routine launches, emphasizing the essential nature of manageable failure for industry resilience.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
PSLV-C62 Losses Wiped Out Startups' Payloads
- The PSLV-C62 failure destroyed most of the 16 Indian and foreign satellites on board.
- None of the Indian start-up satellites were insured, leaving them with no financial fallback.
Insurance Is Optional And Costly In India
- Space insurance is optional in India and remains expensive and underdeveloped for startups.
- Launch insurance covers the riskiest phase from ignition to orbit and is where most claims happen.
Orbital Congestion Raises Compensation Risks
- Rising congestion in low Earth orbit increases collision risk and complicates compensation claims.
- Startups face protracted legal and financial burdens if satellites are damaged in crowded orbits.