With the announcement of a new generation of domestically produced avionics chips by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh, India has made a major technological advancement in its quest for Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance).
By decreasing reliance on imported electronics, cutting operating costs, and shrinking avionics hardware, these four cutting-edge integrated circuits (ICs) are poised to revolutionize launch vehicle performance.
The new devices, which were designed and manufactured with mission-critical reliability in mind, comprise an Octal Channel Low Drop Out Linear Voltage Regulator (LVR), a High-Frequency Octal-Core RDAS, a 16-Core Reconfigurable Data Acquisition System (RDAS), and Relay Driver ICs. An important step in bolstering India’s indigenous semiconductor ecosystem for space applications has been taken with their introduction.
For many years, SCL has served as the foundation of India’s space electronics endeavors. The VIKRAM1601, a 16-bit processor that was introduced into ISRO’s launch vehicles in 2009 and demonstrated the viability of India’s domestic chip manufacturing capacity for space, marked the beginning of its legacy.
To build on this, the organization delivered the first production lots of VIKRAM3201 and KALPANA3201, two 32-bit microprocessors made to withstand the demanding conditions of spaceflight, on March 5, 2025, marking a new milestone. With a substantially higher processing capacity than its predecessor, the VIKRAM3201 is India’s first wholly “Made-in-India” 32-bit microprocessor certified for orbital missions. It was manufactured utilizing SCL’s 180nm CMOS foundry technology.
In parallel, the open-source SPARC V8 RISC architecture, dubbed KALPANA3201 after astronaut Dr. Kalpana Chawla, improved mission-critical operations’ flexibility and robustness. Tested using real flight software, these processors offer a significant improvement in dependability and independence from global supply-chain problems that have previously affected space missions all around the world.
The announcement of these developments took place on August 23, 2025, National Space Day, which honors India’s historic accomplishment of becoming the first nation to soft-land on the Moon’s south pole and the success of the Chandrayaan-3 missionThis celebration was also in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s long-term space roadmap, which outlines three historic goals: the successful completion of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission by 2027; the launch of India’s own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station, by 2035; and the landing of the country’s first Indian astronaut on the moon by 2040.
These lofty objectives highlight the value of domestic hardware capabilities since space exploration necessitates safe, affordable, and high-performing technology free from international supply constraints.
Furthermore, ISRO’s efforts are no longer the only way that India is developing its space capabilities. India’s place in the global space economy has been redefined by the emergence of a new ecosystem of start-ups since the space sector was opened to private investment in 2020.
Global-first inventions have been made by companies including Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, GalaxEye, and Digantara. These innovations range from advanced hyperspectral satellites and space situational awareness platforms to 3D-printed rocket engines and customizable launch systems.
These private companies are supporting ISRO’s efforts, showcasing the ingenuity and vibrancy of India’s commercial space industry, and making sure that the country’s market reach extends beyond conventional government-led initiatives.
.India is now a significant space player thanks to a new wave of start-ups that have developed since the space sector was opened to private enterprises in 2020.
The Indian government has increased financial support in recognition of this expanding industry’s potential. In order to grow India’s space economy fivefold over the next ten years, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Union Budget 2024 a ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund devoted to supporting start-ups and businesses in the space sector.
This is in line with New Delhi’s strategic goal of making India a global center for space manufacturing, technology, and services that can rival more established spacefaring countries.
India’s trajectory as a key global participant in space is reinforced by the introduction of local avionic chips, the development of domestic semiconductor capabilities, the increase in private engagement, and the government’s forward-thinking agenda.
In addition to cutting costs and improving security, India is building the groundwork for ambitious deep-space research, global partnerships, and swift commercial expansion in the space industry by becoming an expert in both the hardware and software components of cutting-edge space electronics.
With these developments, India is well on its way to becoming one of the most economically and strategically significant spacefaring countries of the twenty-first century.