Private sector participation in LVM3 production could mean a space sector boom
India's space ambitions: Market forces are with us Lower earth orbit (LEO) was a well-trodden frontier. Nasa, which had been flying to LEO for decades, could focus on more ambitious destinations by retiring the Space Shuttle and its operations to LEO. Moreover, this shift gave the private sector a chance to step in and fill the void left by the Space Shuttle.
A burgeoning American space industry cultivated robust capacities in LEO that has led to a flurry of private spacecraft capable of taking crew and cargo to orbit. Their pursuit of a competitive advantage spurred the development of reusable spacecraft, slashing launch costs by a staggering 95% compared to the Space Shuttle era. These advancements have done wonders for space accessibility, opening wider doors to Nasa and many space and satellite companies globally.
We can create similar opportunities in India: India has also undertaken similar reforms since 2020 to reap the benefits of private sector participation in space. The new policy landscape seeks to unburden Isro of routine production and operational tasks. This includes making the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and the LVM3.
The plan is underway. Production orders have been placed with industry consortiums for PSLVs. SSLV technology will also be transferred to private manufacturers.
Most recently, the private sector has been invited to build the LVM3. This way, Isro can focus on goals that include human spaceflight for the forthcoming Gaganyaan mission, building a Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), a more advanced, partially reusable heavy launch vehicle, and eventually placing an Indian space station in the LEO. The transfer of technical knowledge from Isro
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