Now Reading: IN-SPACe seeks private operator for Rs 986 crore spaceport
-
01
IN-SPACe seeks private operator for Rs 986 crore spaceport
IN-SPACe has begun privatising the operations of Isro's Rs 986 crore Small Satellite Launch Complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu. It has issued an expression of interest for private entities to run…
The Story in Brief
IN-SPACe has begun privatising the operations of Isro's Rs 986 crore Small Satellite Launch Complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu. It has issued an expression of interest for private entities to run the facility, which is designed for small rocket launches.
The selected operator will manage end-to-end launch operations, maintenance, safety, and coordination with Isro. Isro will provide technical handholding for up to three launches or one year. The site offers direct south trajectories over the Indian Ocean, boosting payload efficiency. This follows IN-SPACe's transfer of PSLV and LVM-3 technologies and plans for subsidies to private space firms.
The Indian Opinion
Handing over a spaceport to private operators sounds bold, but the move is limited to small satellite launches, a segment where commercial demand is high. The real test will be whether enough Indian firms have the expertise to bid and whether Isro's handholding period is sufficient to ensure safety. Watch for the number of serious bidders and their track records.
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, economictimes.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
