Space industry trackers call it a positive step for the sector

In a significant development, private players can now take up production of India’s largest rocket.

In a move that will help Indian companies develop capabilities in heavy-lift launch vehicle production, space industry body Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has invited Expression of Interest (EOIs) from the private sector for Transfer of Technology (ToT) of ISRO’s Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3).

The move becomes significant as it comes on the heels of a similar EOI issued for technology transfer of PSLV last month, and it points to a strategy to let ISRO focus its efforts on advanced R&D and critical programmes such as Gaganyaan and other interplanetary missions, while the private sector players take a larger role in operational and commercial space activities.

With this, most of India’s key rocket systems are now open for commercialisation.

Technology Transfer

The invitation for EOI, released on Tuesday, invites eligible Indian private companies or industry consortia to acquire and operationalise LVM3 technology from ISRO. The LVM3, often referred to as ISRO’s ‘Baahubali’ rocket,  is the agency’s heaviest operational launch vehicle and is behind key missions including Chandrayaan 2 and 3. The selected private entity will receive technology transfer and extensive support from ISRO to absorb the technology and begin manufacturing and launching LVM3 vehicles commercially.

The EOI invitation also lays down the eligibility criteria for the applicable private entities. ISRO’s handholding and infrastructure support is proposed for a defined period of 42 months or until the realisation and launch of two LVM3 vehicles by the selected entity, whichever comes earlier.

“Taking cognizance of the expanding global space economy and the strategic need to significantly scale up launch frequencies, IN-SPACe has taken the initiative for technology-transfer of LVM3 for end-to-end realization, operation and commercialization of launch vehicle by a suitable private industry,” IN-SPACe’s note read.

Launch Frequency

Space industry trackers call it a positive step for the sector, though a bit late. A few incidents involving PSLV in the recent past may have prompted the government to consider technology transfer, they add.

“We already have various private sector infrastructure and aerospace companies who play a role in making the rockets; now with a technology transfer to such players, it will help improve the launch cadence which has been declining,” Chaitanya Giri, Space Fellow at ORF, said.

Another space industry executive said that the speed of tech transfer, frequency of launches, and the cost involved will likely determine the success of the model. “The good part is that once the private sector kicks in, the number of launches may increase,” the person added.

Published on June 9, 2026