India’s satellite launch cost 4x US, says Cambridge study; space dept source disagrees

A 2026 University of Cambridge study has revealed that India's per-kilogram rocket launch costs are four times greater than those in the United States, and amount to the most expensive globally. However, a Department of Space official disputes this, stating that the research failed to account for various subsidies and cost-saving measures implemented in India.

The peer-reviewed study, published in the Economics Letters journal, utilized a comprehensive dataset of over 6,740 rocket launches between 1960 and 2025. It assessed the costs across 16 countries, finding that India's satellite launch cost of $13,302 per kg in 2025 was significantly higher than the US's $3,225 per kg. Other countries analyzed included the European Union, Russia, China, and Japan.

Despite this, the Department of Space and IN-SPACe have implemented financial incentives, including subsidies and support schemes, to reduce launch costs for Indian entities and non-governmental organizations.