India is preparing to transfer technology related to the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) to the private sector as part of efforts to strengthen domestic rocket manufacturing and accelerate the growth of the country’s space industry.
The initiative aims to increase the production of Indian launch vehicles and support the country’s ambition of becoming a major hub for small satellite launches.
Pawan Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), said that an expression of interest has been released to facilitate the transfer of PSLV technology to private companies.
“We have released an expression of interest to transfer the technology of the PSLV rocket to the private sector,” Goenka said.
According to the proposed framework, only companies that are majority owned and controlled by Indian entities will be eligible to participate in the technology transfer program.
The move builds on the government’s decision in 2019 to open the space sector to private participation, a policy shift that has led to the emergence of hundreds of space-focused startups across the country. The sector has also attracted interest from major business groups, with companies exploring opportunities in satellite communications, launch services, and space technology development.
The PSLV remains India’s most successful launch vehicle and has played a key role in several landmark missions, including the country’s lunar and Mars exploration programs.
While the rocket experienced setbacks following 2 consecutive mission failures over the past year, Goenka emphasized that the challenges are temporary. He pointed to the PSLV’s strong reliability record, which includes more than 60 successful launches over its operational history.
Goenka also noted that several large business groups have shown interest in opportunities within the space sector, although he did not disclose specific names.
The planned technology transfer marks another step in India’s efforts to build a stronger private space ecosystem and expand the country’s capabilities in commercial launch services and satellite deployment.