Indian space odyssey: Over 23 companies interested in acquiring ISRO's SSLV technology

Hyderabad: Over 23 companies have shown keen interest in acquiring ISRO's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology.

This initiative, led by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), marks a significant step in fostering private sector involvement in space activities.

Private Sector's Enthusiasm:

Pawan K Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, revealed the substantial response from the private sector. "There has been a tremendous response; 23 companies have (so far) shown interest in applying for this technology. Of course, only one of them will get it," he stated.

This robust interest underscores the potential for private enterprises to leverage ISRO's advanced SSLV technology.

Technology Transfer and Collaboration:

IN-SPACe, an autonomous agency under the Department of Space (DOS), initiated the process by floating an Expression of Interest (EOI) in July for the transfer of SSLV technology. The deadline for responses is September 25.

Goenka emphasized, "Technology transfer is something we are working on very aggressively because we want to see how ISRO's technology is leveraged by the private sector."

Notably, this endeavor represents a pioneering move on a global scale. Goenka highlighted, "This is perhaps the first-ever example where an agency anywhere in the world has transferred the full design of a launch vehicle to the private sector."

Expanding Opportunities:

Beyond SSLV, IN-SPACe is actively working on transferring a total of 42 space technologies to the private sector. Nineteen of these technologies are ready for transfer, signifying the rapid progress in this collaborative effort.

The agency is also partnering with state governments to facilitate manufacturing infrastructure for private companies, aiming for an all-inclusive, plug-and-play setup.

Ambitious Vision for India's Space Economy:

Goenka outlined an ambitious vision for India's space economy, which currently stands at USD 8 billion. The goal is to elevate it to USD 44 billion by 2033, signaling the significant potential for growth and collaboration in the space sector.

International Collaboration:

The event also witnessed international collaboration as the Australian High Commission Deputy High Commissioner, Sarah Storey, reaffirmed Australia's commitment to partnering with India in the space sector.

Enrico Palermo, Chief of the Australian Space Agency, highlighted common areas of interest for collaboration between the two countries.

Both dignitaries commended India's remarkable achievements in space exploration, including the Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L1 missions.

Standards for the Space Industry:

IN-SPACe, in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), released a "Catalogue of Indian Standards for Space Industry" containing 15 standards.

These standards will serve as recommendations for private players entering the space sector, ensuring quality and safety in their endeavors.

The enthusiasm displayed by private companies and the government's proactive approach to technology transfer signifies a new era in India's space exploration.

The burgeoning interest in ISRO's SSLV technology opens doors for innovation, economic growth, and international collaboration, ultimately propelling India's space industry to new heights.