More than 20 businesses have expressed initial interest in the Indian government’s plan to privatise its small satellite launch Rocket Programme, according to reports. This move marks the first privatisation of its kind for India. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) developed the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and successfully launched its first satellite in February this year. The SSLV was designed as a cost-effective method for placing satellites weighing up to 500 kg (1,102 lb) into low-Earth orbit. This supports the growing market for satellite clustering for communication and data. India is following in NASA’s footsteps by opening up space-related businesses to private investment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy. To oversee these efforts, India has established the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). IN-SPACe will begin the bidding process on July 11 by allowing qualified companies to register. The eligibility criteria include profitability, five years of manufacturing experience, and an annual revenue of $48.8 million for the lead bidder in a consortium. Within the next decade, India aims to increase its market share in global satellite launches by fivefold. The winning bidder for the SSLV programme is expected to develop the small-satellite launch business in India and transform the country into a global hub for such launches.

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