Privately built PSLV gears up for launch

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A PSLV rocket built in the private sector is ready for its first launch. It will deploy ISRO's EOS-10 earth observation satellite within the next two months. A consortium of L&T and HAL is manufacturing the rocket.​​

ISRO had been manufacturing rockets until now. In 2022, through the IN-SPACe agency, the technology for the PSLV-XL version was handed over to the consortium. The first five launches must be carried out for ISRO, and after that, private launches can be done.

The contract for producing ISRO’s small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV) has also been given to HAL. This rocket can launch satellites weighing up to 500 kg. With privatisation, India is opening up a huge market in the satellite launch sector. Globally, the space launch market is valued at Rs 3.93 lakh crore.

54 launches

• ISRO introduced the PSLV rocket in 1993.
• Can place satellites up to 2000 kg in space.​
• 54 launches so far; one of the world's best rockets.​
• Each rocket launch costs ISRO around Rs 200 crore.