Bengaluru, NFAPost: In a monumental development for the Indian space industry, the involvement and engagement of private players for technological advancement and commercial collaboration have taken center stage. The Indian Space Policy has mandated the transfer of relevant technology from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to private industries, enabling them to make rapid advances in the space sector. To facilitate this process, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) has issued a call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Transfer of Technology (ToT) of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) from ISRO to Indian private industries. This groundbreaking initiative marks the first-ever technology transfer of its kind in the Indian space sector.
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that “this first-of-its-kind Transfer of Technology is a significant milestone for the Indian Space Sector. Unlike the manufacturing contract awarded to a consortium in the case of PSLV, the launch vehicle technology is being offered in its entirety to the private industry. It is expected that the recipient of this ToT would be able to greatly expand the small satellite launch segment, positioning India as the global hub for such launches.”
Sh. Somanath S., Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, emphasized the need for increased involvement of the private space industry in India. He acknowledged that, unlike the global scenario where private players are leading space activities, the private sector in India has played a limited role. To address this, ISRO aims to mentor and support the private industry, working collaboratively to foster the overall development of the sector. The SSLV, a result of years of dedicated efforts by hundreds of ISRO scientists, is expected to provide a significant boost to the private industry’s engagement in the space sector.
The SSLV is a three-stage solid launch vehicle with the capacity to carry payloads weighing up to 500 kg to a 500 km circular orbit. Through the technology transfer of SSLV, the Indian industry will have a unique opportunity to comprehend and assimilate the intricacies and complexities involved in the development of launch systems. This transfer will enable them to establish a launch vehicle design and manufacturing base independently, positioning them to compete in the lucrative global launch market.
This development comes in the wake of the recently approved Space Policy of 2023, which has expedited space sector reforms and aims to enhance private sector participation in space activities. With this latest move towards technology transfer and collaboration, the Indian space sector is poised for unprecedented growth and the realization of its potential as a major player on the global stage.
