India’s space programme is moving towards a major restructuring, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) expected to gradually step back from routine manufacturing of launch vehicles and satellites and allow private companies to take on a larger role.
Speaking at the Business Today India @ 100 Economy Summit, Goenka said ISRO would no longer manufacture launch vehicles, with production to be undertaken by private companies or public sector undertakings. The move is part of the government’s broader effort to increase private-sector participation in India’s space industry.
The next stage could involve two of ISRO’s established rockets — the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). Goenka indicated that their production could also move to private industry. He said the process for these launch vehicles would differ from the SSLV transfer, with public sector companies not expected to participate in the upcoming process.
Goenka said around 120 technologies developed by ISRO have already been transferred to the private sector. The government is also looking to increase private participation in space infrastructure, including the operation of a new launch centre. According to Goenka, an operator could be selected within the next four or five months.
Goenka identified government demand, wider adoption of space-based technologies by industries and expansion into international markets as important drivers for this growth. He also stressed the role of the government as an anchor customer for private space companies.
India is also moving towards a commercial model in which private companies can own satellites and other space assets and generate revenue from the data and services they provide.
