ISRO’s Decision to Transfer SSLV to the Private Sector Marks Privatization Move
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has decided to opt for the bidding route to transfer the mini-rocket to the industry, a senior official said.
“With the successful completion of two development flights aimed at delivering on-demand services to deploy satellites weighing up to 500 kg into a low-earth orbit, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will soon transition its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to the private sector. In line with this decision, the space agency has chosen the bidding route as the means to transfer the mini-rocket to the industry,” confirmed a senior official.
“The official confirmed that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be fully transferring the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to the private sector, encompassing not just the manufacturing but complete ownership of the rocket. IN related news, the ISRO achieved a successful launch of the SSLV’s second developmental flight from Sriharikota, deploying three satellites into a 450-km circular orbit. The maiden flight of the SSLV in August of the previous year encountered a brief vibration disturbance during second-stage separation, leading to its failure. However, the ISRO conducted a comprehensive analysis of the fault and implemented corrective measures, resulting in the triumphant SSLV launch in February. Designed to cater to Nano and micro-satellites weighing less than 10 kg and 100 kg, respectively, the SSLV offers on-demand launch services, eliminating the need for clients to wait for larger rockets to accommodate them as co-passengers. Furthermore, the ISRO had previously awarded a contract to a consortium comprising Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Larsen and Toubro for the construction of five polar satellite launch vehicles (PSLVs), which have a track record of 54 successful launches.
According to a recent report by the Indian Space Association and EY India, India’s domestic space industry could contribute $13 billion to the economy by 2025 through commercial satellite launch services. The SSLV marks the sixth launch vehicle developed by the ISRO, following the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-Advanced Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3). The SLV-3 and ASLV have since been retired.”
