PSLV C 30 carrying ASTROSAT lifts off. (TNN file photo)

BENGALURU: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and its commercial arm Antrix are working on a model that aims to have industries build the proposed Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) from the very beginning, unlike the PSLV and GSLV platforms.

"Industry will build the very first SSLV. Soon after the demonstrator flight, the industry will take over the project and produce these rockets. That is our aim unlike the PSLV or GSLV which are made only by Isro so far," Isro chairman Sivan K said.

"Industry built PSLV is also progressing. It is not that simple as its not just about the four stages, but hundreds of components. We will launch the first PSLV built by the industry in a year," Sivan said.

Antrix chairman Rakesh S said: "Antrix is working on our biggest manufacturing task so far, and we have to work it out within the cost framework given by Chairman (Sivan)." He said that the SSLV was a simple vehicle with a three-stage solid propulsion and that Antrix was looking at 50-60 vehicles every year.

"We want to produce them in large numbers to meet the requirements. We’ve so far been handicapped by the non-availability of launch vehicles which we want to address through this so that we can get a share of the $18 billion market (estimated for the next 10 years). We are looking at Rs 1,500 crore to Rs 2,000 crore every year through this," Rakesh added.

Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) vice-president Vikram Kirloskar, while stating that Isro and Antrix have been very encouraging of industry participation, however, said: "In the future the industry will play a big role in the space sector and the nuances of that are being worked out. The challenges, however, are not just technical but also economical, which entrepreneurs are working out."

Space-Expo

Rakesh and Sivan said that the upcoming Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX-2018)—September 6 to 8—the sixth edition, will also act as a platform to further industry participation. Terming this the biggest expo so far, Kirloskar said that there will be 16 Isro Centres (for the first time), 85 exhibitors, 56 Speakers and 600 delegates.

Foreign space agencies from France, Russia and Taiwan will be present, apart from companies like Airbus. "The industries will have access to all the technologies available and experts to clear any doubts they have too," Sivan said, adding that there will be a special pavillion on Gaganyaan.

