In one of the biggest commercial orders executed till date, in October 2022, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) placed 36 satellites of a private company, OneWeb, in lower earth orbit (LEO) via LVM-3, or GSLV-Mark III, the newest addition to its fleet that is capable of lifting a load of 10 tonnes. It was a major milestone in India's ambition to tap the $37 billion upstream space market (satellite/launch vehicle manufacturing, launch services and ground control system infrastructure/operations). In an exclusive interview, Somanath S., Chairman of ISRO and Space Commission and Secretary, Department of Space, tells Fortune India how ISRO will help the private sector build India's space economy. Edited Excerpts:

Q. What does launch of 36 satellites mean for India's space economy and ISRO?

A. It is an opportunity. A global phenomenon (increasing interest in small LEO satellite constellations for communication) brought us the possibility of this launch. We were asked if we can handle this. We have demonstrated our capability. We were able to grab this contract fast and get timely government approvals. We have also got a long-term commitment for commercial exploitation (OneWeb is planning a mirror mission with same number of satellites through ISRO). This gives us an opportunity to commercialise GSLV-Mark III rocket. Now, along with PSLV, GSLV has also become a commercial service provider. This demonstrates a change in atmosphere as we are going to see more Indian engagement in global satellite constellations.

Countries like U.S., China, Russia, European Union are all in this business. Who are our competitors?

I will not call it competition. These are opportunities. You cannot compete with anybody. You cannot compete with U.S., you cannot compete with Europe. The question is whether there is an opportunity and whether we can grab it.

What is the business opportunity here?

ISRO is not a business organisation. NSIL (New Space India Ltd., ISRO's commercial arm) is the business organisation. For ISRO, such missions give opportunity to demonstrate capabilities. These are large commercial launches. France's ArianSpace is a commercial entity launching rockets at commercial rates. We are doing it as a demonstration so that the industry can take it forward. We have given PSLV to industry. We will give LVM-3 to industry. After a few launches, we (ISRO) will not be doing it (commercial launches). It will be done by the industry.

How is the industry interest?

They have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. We are the ones (slow) to respond.

ISRO has had a long-standing partnership with the industry. It has been sourcing almost every component from private vendors for decades. What has changed now?

You are talking about manufacturing partnerships. It is not the same as handing over systems to them (private industry) and asking them to do it on their own. We never allowed it before. They have been manufacturing on the basis of our design. Now, we are going to hand it over to them and say that it’s your baby, you handle it.

New Space India Ltd

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