After NSIL’s PPP bid, IN-SPACe opens LVM-3 to private sector with ToT push

BENGALURU: In a renewed push to hand over Isro’s LVM-3 launch vehicle to private industry, space regulator-cum-promoter Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has invited expressions of interest (EoI) for the transfer of technology (ToT) of the country’s heaviest operational rocket.The move comes more than two years after Space PSU NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) had sought private partners to scale up production of the launch vehicle through a public-private partnership model. That initiative, however, did not culminate in the selection of an industry partner, as NSIL withdrew the RFP.The latest EoI marks a shift in approach, with IN-SPACe seeking to transfer the technology required for end-to-end realisation and commercial exploitation of LVM-3 by Indian industry. The initiative aligns with the Centre's broader space sector reforms announced in 2020, which envisaged a larger role for private players in launch services and spacecraft manufacturing.The move follows IN-SPACe’s EoI for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) late last month. That EoI came nearly four years after NSIL awarded the first private-sector contract worth Rs 860-crore to manufacture five PSLVs, not even one of which has flown so far.While the process for PSLV ToT is ongoing, IN-SPACe had, last year, completed the technology transfer for Isro’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). If the industry takes up on IN-SPACe’s offer for PSLV and LVM-3, then three of the four operational rockets of Isr0 — barring GSLV-Mk2 — will reach private hands for manufacturing.LVM-3, earlier known as GSLV-Mk3, is India’s heavy-lift launcher capable of placing satellites into geostationary transfer orbit and deploying large satellite constellations into low Earth orbit. The rocket gained international commercial visibility in 2022 and 2023 when it successfully launched 72 satellites for the UK-based OneWeb constellation across two missions.“This opportunity is aimed at capable Indian industries or consortia who have handled multi-disciplinary turn-key projects, and are keen on assimilating LVM3’s proven technology and offering commercial launch services to compete in the global heavy-lift satellite launch market. To ensure seamless technology absorption, infrastructural and hand-holding support will be provided by Isro for a ‘defined period’ of 42 months or until realisation & launch of two LVM-3 vehicles by the selected party, whichever is earlier,” IN-SPACe said.Earlier, NSIL had projected a need to increase annual production capability from the current two vehicles to between four and six rockets a year. The commercial arm had envisaged producing up to 60-65 LVM3 vehicles over a 14-year period through industry participation.Under the new EoI, eligible Indian entities or consortiums with experience in managing large multidisciplinary projects can express interest in acquiring the technology and capability to manufacture and commercialise the launcher. As part of the technology transfer process, Isro is expected to provide handholding and support for a defined period, enabling industry to absorb and operationalise the complex launch vehicle technologies.The initiative is also in line with Isro’s long-term strategy of transitioning operational activities to industry while focusing its internal resources on advanced research and next-generation technologies, including reusable launch systems, semi-cryogenic propulsion and human spaceflight missions.