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IN-SPACe opens ISRO's LVM3 'Bahubali' rocket technology to the private sector

· 5 min read·Source: The Hindu
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IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the Transfer of Technology (ToT) of ISRO's heavy-lift LVM3 rocket, nicknamed 'Bahubali', to the private sector. Under the plan, the selected Indian industry partner will be able to build, own and commercially operate the launch vehicle, with ISRO providing handholding support for about 42 months or two LVM3 launches, whichever is earlier. The move follows a similar ToT process already initiated for the smaller PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), and is part of a broader push to expand private participation in India's space economy. By transferring the production of operational launch vehicles to industry, ISRO can focus on higher-end missions such as the human spaceflight programme Gaganyaan, next-generation launch vehicles and advanced research and development, while building a commercially competitive domestic launch industry.

Key Facts & Details

8 points
  • 1
    IN-SPACe invited EoIs for the Transfer of Technology of ISRO's LVM3 'Bahubali' rocket to the private sector.
  • 2
    The selected partner can build, own and commercially operate the heavy-lift LVM3.
  • 3
    ISRO will provide support for about 42 months or two LVM3 launches, whichever is earlier.
  • 4
    It follows a similar ToT process for the PSLV.
  • 5
    The move frees ISRO to focus on Gaganyaan, next-gen vehicles and advanced R&D.

Deep Dive

  • +
    IN-SPACe is the single-window nodal agency promoting private participation in space.
  • +
    Transferring operational launchers to industry helps build a competitive domestic launch market.
  • +
    LVM3 is ISRO's most powerful operational launch vehicle.
Q

Exam Focus

Which ISRO launch vehicle is being transferred to the private sector via an IN-SPACe EoI in June 2026?

Related Topics

IN-SPACeLVM3ISROSpace Reforms

Exam Relevance & Angle

Reforms opening India's space sector to private players and the names of ISRO's launch vehicles are frequently tested Science & Technology items, and the LVM3 'Bahubali' name, IN-SPACe's role and the ToT mechanism are exactly the facts examiners convert into questions.

Target Exams

SBI POIBPS POIBPS RRB OfficerRBI Grade BNABARD Grade ASSC CGLSSC CHSLRRB NTPCLIC AAOUPSC CSEState PCS

Background & Context

IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) is an autonomous, single-window nodal agency under the Department of Space, set up in 2020 to promote, authorise and regulate the participation of private players and non-government entities in India's space activities. The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), earlier called the GSLV Mk-III and nicknamed 'Bahubali' for its heavy-lifting capability, is ISRO's most powerful operational rocket, capable of placing about four tonnes into geostationary transfer orbit; it launched the Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions and is the chosen launcher for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Transfer of Technology (ToT) lets private industry manufacture systems originally developed by government labs, building domestic industrial capability. India's space-sector reforms since 2020 aim to grow the country's share of the global space economy by letting startups and companies build satellites and launch vehicles, while ISRO concentrates on cutting-edge science, exploration and human spaceflight.

Related GK Concepts

Must Know
IN-SPACeLVM3Transfer of TechnologyISROGaganyaan

Test Yourself

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ISRO's heavy-lift rocket nicknamed 'Bahubali', being transferred to the private sector, is the:

Source

The Hindu

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IN-SPACe opens ISRO's LVM3 'Bahubali' rocket technology to the private sector — Current Affairs 2026-06-12