NSIL Teams Up with Private Sector to Increase LVM3 Production
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial branch of ISRO, has called upon potential private sector bidders to engage in the comprehensive development of the LVM3 heavy-lift launcher within a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) structure.
This initiative is in accordance with the space sector reforms unveiled by the government in June 2020, which aim to enhance private sector involvement in space endeavors. NSIL intends to partner with Indian industries to leverage their skills and capacities in scaling up the production of the LVM3.
Capturing a slice of the Global Launch Service Market is a primary goal of this initiative. Market assessments have shown a growing demand for launching communication satellites in Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) and satellites for mega constellations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). With seven successful launches under its belt, the LVM3 holds immense potential to cater to this niche global market.
In a significant milestone in 2023, the LVM3 made its debut in the global commercial launch service arena by effectively deploying 72 satellites for OneWeb, UK, through two missions conducted from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), SHAR.
NSIL's RFQ process will involve technically qualifying and shortlisting multiple Indian industry partners. These partners will then be invited to submit investment and financial proposals through a Request for Proposal (RFP). Ultimately, a single Indian industry partner will be selected to collaborate with NSIL in executing the LVM3 production program.
This endeavor expands upon NSIL's earlier partnership with the "HAL and L&T consortia" in 2022, wherein they were entrusted with the development of five Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLVs). This collaboration signaled a shift for Indian industries from mere suppliers to taking on the broader role of overseeing the overall system integration for launch vehicles.
