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Updated - February 20, 2026 at 03:53 PM.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) plans to set up a liquid methane production plant at its propulsion complex, Mahendragiri, in Tamil Nadu. Large, liquid-rocket propulsion systems utilising liquid methane and liquid oxygen are to be used as propellants to power the Next General Launch Vehicle (NGLV) that ISRO is developing.

NGLV, with high payload capability, for meeting the requirements of future space missions, in line with National Space Vision. Unlike previous expendable launch vehicles, which were designed for a single use, the new vehicle introduces features of recovery and reuse in the first stage.

ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri has invited Expression of Interest (EoI) from suitable parties for design, manufacturing, testing, supply, erection and commissioning of the Liquid Methane Production Plant at IPRC, Mahendragiri. Towards this objective, facilities are proposed to be established across ISRO Centres. Liquid Methane is required for performing static tests and launch operations.

NGLV, internally known as Project Soorya, is a 3-stage, heavy-lift and partially reusable rocket under development to replace PSLV and GSLV. With a 30-tonne capacity to Low Earth Orbit, it focuses on cost-efficient, green, methalox-based (methane+liquid oxygen) propulsion for future human spaceflight and commercial missions, with a maiden launch aimed for 2030-2032.

The EoI says that the contractor shall be responsible for Establishment of liquid Methane Production plant of capacity 8 Metric Tonne Per Day at IPRC, Mahendragiri for production of liquid Methane of specified purity which involves following major activities:

Liquid methane will be produced from Liquefied Natural Gas as a raw material. Plant production process shall be optimum in all aspects, including less production cost and minimum wastage.

An overall schematic of the plant proposed shall be submitted along with a tentative requirement of LNG to produce 1 MT of liquid Methane. In addition to that, the tentative quantity of consumables required and quantity of by-product & waste gas that will be generated shall also be furnished.

The vendor should have established a cryogenic production plant for producing cryogenic fluids viz. Liquid Nitrogen/Liquid Oxygen/Liquid Hydrogen/Liquid Methane in their premises in the last 7 years ending December 31, 2025.

Alternatively, the vendor should have executed a contract/work involving manufacturing and supply of Cryogenic systems such as Double walled tanks/double walled pipelines for Liquid Nitrogen/Liquid Oxygen/Liquid Hydrogen/Liquid Methane service, including instrumentation & control systems in the last 7 years ending December 3, 2025, the EoI said.

Published on February 20, 2026

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