Isro will not make any launch vehicle, all tech to be handed to private sector

Speaking at Business Today's India @ 100 Economy Summit, IN-SPACe Chairman Dr Pawan Goenka said the transition is already underway and will allow ISRO to focus on research, advanced technologies, scientific missions and infrastructure that private companies may not be able to build on.

The shift has already begun with the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, or SSLV, whose technology and production rights have been transferred to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited following a bidding process. The next phase could be even more significant.

What Happened

Goenka said the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), India's most powerful operational rocket, are also headed towards privatisation. Unlike the SSLV process, public sector companies will not be allowed to participate in the upcoming transfer process.

• The transformation is part of India's broader ambition to expand its space economy from around $8 billion today to $44 billion by 2033.

• India is also pushing towards an ownership-based commercial model, where private companies own satellites and other space assets and monetise their data and services.

• The Department of Defence has already placed an order for 31 satellites with private companies, while ISRO is expected to build 21 more under the same broader programme.

Key Details

ISRO's role, Goenka said, will increasingly resemble that of a research and development organisation rather than a manufacturer responsible for everything from rockets to satellites.

• Goenka said achieving that target will require three major engines: government demand, greater use of space technologies by industries outside the traditional space sector, and expansion into international markets.

• Goenka said the operator could be finalised within the next four or five months.

• The government is also planning to hand operations of a new launch centre to private industry.

Why It Matters

Once technologies mature, they can then be transferred to private companies for commercial operations.

• The space agency will focus on scientific missions, developing new technologies, specialised satellites and advanced infrastructure.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge