Satellite Networks

ISRO changes tack on launch vehicle manufacture

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reportedly announced a change of policy that means it will cease direct manufacturing of commercial launch vehicles, though this may boost its other businesses.

ISRO, whose main focus is the development and application of space technology for various national needs, plans to transfer end-to-end rocket assembly and operational manufacturing to private industrial consortia while refocusing its internal resources on advanced space exploration research, technology development, and deep-space missions.

The operational transition transfers production lines for ISRO’s operational launch fleet  to domestic private aerospace contractors, which will assume responsibility for serial production, component sourcing, and launch vehicle integration. The launch fleet includes the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), and the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

Commercial operations and mission procurement will continue through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, while regulatory authorisations will still be managed by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).

According to the SatNews website, this industrial policy shift accelerates ISRO’s initiatives to expand spacecraft and launch throughput while adapting to competitive pressures from global commercial launch providers, where ISRO continues coordinating international rideshare manifests.

It explains that by shifting routine hardware fabrication to private industry, the Indian government aims to expand the nation’s domestic space economy from approximately US$8 billion to US$44 billion by 2033 – an estimated 8% of the global space market.

Commercialising launch vehicle production is designed to establish an export-oriented aerospace supply chain, positioning Indian prime contractors to supply launch services and satellite buses to international commercial customers.



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