• LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-III) is ISRO’s most powerful rocket, used in Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions.
• It can carry up to 4-tonne satellites to geostationary orbit and 8-tonne satellites to lower earth orbits.
What Is the Commercialisation Plan?
• ISRO’s commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL), has invited private firms to manufacture LVM3.
• The collaboration will last 14 years, starting with a 2-year development phase for technology transfer.
• The selected private partner will then build 4 to 6 LVM3 rockets annually for the next 12 years.
Benefits of the Initiative:
• Increased Private Sector Participation: Encourages greater involvement of private firms in India’s space program.
• Global Market Share: Enhances India’s presence in the global satellite launch market, meeting the rising demand for satellite launches.
• Focus on Advanced Projects: Allows ISRO to concentrate on developing the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) and other advanced space missions.
• Economic Growth: Opens new business opportunities for Indian companies, boosting the national economy.
• Strategic Advantage: Positions India to capitalize on current market conditions where other global launch vehicles face operational challenges or national commitments.
Global Context:
• SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is a major player in heavy payload launches.
• Other countries’ launch vehicles are facing operational challenges or are busy with national missions, creating an opportunity for India’s LVM3.
Additional Opportunities for Private Firms:
• ISRO is also opening the manufacturing of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) to private players.
• The first privately manufactured PSLV is expected to launch in August this year.
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