UPSC Key Updates: 11th May, 2024 – Middle-East Space Department, Form 17C, and Beyond

New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Department of Space, has recently announced its plans to partner with private players for the manufacturing of its largest launch vehicle, LVM3. This rocket has been instrumental in propelling missions like Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 to the Moon, and a human-rated version will be used for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

NSIL’s call for private partners marks a significant step towards increasing the participation of private players in the space sector. The agency recognizes the growing demand for launching heavier communication satellites and satellites for global mega LEO constellations. By involving private players in manufacturing complete launch vehicles, NSIL aims to enhance the capabilities of the Indian space industry.

The LVM3 rocket has already demonstrated its commercial capability by deploying multiple satellites in low earth orbit for internet provider OneWeb. With planned technological advancements, NSIL expects to improve the payload capacity of the LVM3 in the coming years. This aligns with the government’s vision of promoting private sector participation in space missions and reducing dependency on foreign launch providers.

In a significant development, ISRO will utilize the services of SpaceX for the first time to deploy its heavy communication satellite GSAT-20 using the Falcon-9 rocket. This collaboration highlights the increasing cooperation between Indian and international space agencies, opening up new avenues for technological advancements and space exploration.

The move towards involving private players in space missions reflects a global trend towards commercialization and privatization of space activities. Countries like the US have already seen significant success in partnering with private companies for space exploration. In India, companies like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos are emerging as key players in the space technology sector.

As the space industry continues to evolve, the role of private players in manufacturing launch vehicles and providing launch services will become increasingly important. The collaboration between NSIL and private partners for manufacturing the LVM3 rocket represents a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the space sector and enhancing India’s capabilities in space exploration.

Overall, the partnership between NSIL and private players for manufacturing the LVM3 rocket signifies a new era of collaboration and innovation in the Indian space industry. With advancements in technology and increasing demand for satellite launches, this initiative is poised to propel India’s space program to new heights and strengthen its position as a key player in the global space arena.