India's Space Launch Costs Far Exceed Global Average, Cambridge Study Finds

India's rocket launch costs substantially outpace those of other major space powers, according to a Cambridge University study examining 2025 space industry data. The research found that Indian launch providers charge approximately $11,561 per kilogram to place payloads in orbit, far exceeding the global average of $3,868 per kilogram and undercutting the cost-efficiency of competitors across the globe.

The disparity becomes stark when compared with other spacefaring nations. The United States leads in affordability at $3,225 per kilogram, while Japan's costs stand at $5,287 per kilogram and China's at $5,809. Russia and Europe follow at $6,682 and $9,897 per kilogram respectively, placing both ahead of India despite their own established launch capabilities.

Industry analysts attribute the higher Indian costs to factors including smaller launch volumes, higher operational expenses, and the maturity differential between India's space programmes and those of established Western and Chinese competitors. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has faced increasing pressure to modernise its launch infrastructure and reduce operational overheads as commercial space activities accelerate globally.

The findings underscore mounting challenges for India's space sector as it seeks to capture a larger share of the burgeoning global commercial launch market. With numerous international players developing low-cost alternatives and reusable rocket technology advancing rapidly, experts suggest India must accelerate efficiency improvements to remain competitive in the increasingly crowded orbital launch arena.