ISRO to back out; Skyroot to secure deal? Discussions amplifying around new rocket launch centre

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A move is underway to hand over the new rocket launch centre built by the Indian Space Research Organisation to the private sector, even before its inauguration. IN-SPACe, a space marketing agency under the central government, issued a notification inviting expressions of interest. Only Indian companies will be allowed.

The Small Satellite Launch Complex (SLC), scheduled to be inaugurated this December at Kulasekarapatnam near Tuticorin, will be handed over to the private sector. The ownership of the launch centre and operations will be handed over to ISRO. ISRO will provide all support for a period of one year or for the first three launches.

The existing Satish Dhawan Rocket Launch Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, will continue under ISRO and new space projects will be implemented here.

The move comes after ISRO decided to transfer the technologies of launch vehicles PSLV and LVM-3 to the private sector. The technology of the SSLV small rocket has been sold to the defence public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL). ISRO also decided to give the rights to operate ground stations inside the National Remote Sensing Centre in Shadnagar, Hyderabad, to private companies.

The new centre in Kulasekarapatnam is designed to launch the small rocket called SSLV, developed by ISRO to carry small satellites weighing less than 500 kg. It is being built on 2233 acres for Rs 986 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone on February 28, 2024. The construction of the second and third phases, the Launch Service Building (LSB) facilities and the Upper Stage Assembly facilities is in the final stages.

Since the eligibility is only for Indian companies, Skyroot Aerospace in Hyderabad stands the chance of winning the deal. The eligibility requirements include seven years of experience in the launch field, an annual turnover of 2000 crores, capital assets of 1000 crores, and technical capacity. All these conditions are in favour of Skyroot. Skyroot started operations in 2018.

Registration can be done till August 24. A tour around the rocket plant will be conducted on September 10. Discussions will be held at IN-SPACe headquarters in Ahmedabad on September 15, and the final decision is expected on October 5.