According to the offer, ISRO’s plan is to have a 14-year collaboration with the selected private entity.
Video – https://youtu.be/z8qV_laqhlU
India’s plan to collaborate with private firms for the construction of its heaviest rocket, LVM3, marks a crucial milestone in the nation’s space program, say industry experts. The move is expected to bolster India’s position in the global space market amid increasing satellite launch demands.
Video – https://youtu.be/z8qV_laqhlU
Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) extended an invitation to private companies to undertake the “end-to-end” manufacturing of the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3), previously known as GSLV-MkIII. This rocket has already demonstrated its capabilities in the Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 lunar missions. As ISRO’s most powerful rocket, the LVM3 can transport satellites weighing up to 4 tonnes to geostationary orbit and up to 8 tonnes to low Earth orbit.
Video – https://youtu.be/z8qV_laqhlU
ISRO’s plan outlines a 14-year partnership with a selected private entity. The initial two years will focus on transferring technology and expertise, while the subsequent 12 years will see the private partner producing four to six LVM3 rockets annually.
Lieutenant General Anil Kumar Bhatt (retd), Director General of the Indian Space Association, emphasized that the commercialization of LVM3 will expand the range of launch vehicles available to Indian companies on the global market, enhancing India’s market share. He also noted that this shift will enable ISRO to concentrate on developing the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which is integral to India’s ambitions of establishing its own space station and conducting a manned lunar mission.
Akshat Johri, Assistant General Manager of the government-owned project advisory company IIFCL, which has supported NSIL in finalizing the commercialization procedures, praised the timing of this decision. He highlighted that currently, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is the dominant launch vehicle for heavy payloads, while other global competitors face various limitations. Chinese launch vehicles are dedicated to national missions, Russian vehicles like Soyuz are less favored due to war-related sanctions, Europe’s Ariane 6 is still in testing, and Japan’s JAXA has just completed testing its H3 rocket.
Video – https://youtu.be/z8qV_laqhlU
Johri remarked that this is an ideal moment for India to capture market share with the LVM3, especially given the increasing demand for satellite launches to lower Earth orbits.
In addition to the LVM3, ISRO is also allowing private entities to manufacture the newly developed Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and its primary workhorse, the PSLV. The first privately manufactured PSLV is expected to launch in August this year.
Video – https://youtu.be/z8qV_laqhlU
The commercialization of LVM3 represents a pivotal advancement for India’s space sector, positioning the country to capitalize on the growing global demand for satellite launches. By inviting private firms to participate in the production of its most powerful rocket, ISRO is fostering greater private sector involvement, enhancing India’s competitiveness in the international space market. This strategic move not only diversifies the array of launch vehicles available but also allows ISRO to focus on its ambitious projects, such as the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle and future manned lunar missions. With timely execution and robust collaboration, India’s space program is poised for significant growth and innovation.
Video – https://youtu.be/z8qV_laqhlU
