IN-SPACe issues EoI for SSLV tech transfer to industry

BENGALURU: The

Indian National Space Promotion

and Authorisation Centre (

IN-SPACe

) on Tuesday issued an expression of interest (EoI) for transfer of technology (ToT) of the small satellite launch vehicle (

SSLV

) to Indian private players.
“This first-of-its-kind ToT is a significant milestone for the Indian Space sector. Unlike in the case of the PSLV, where a manufacturing contract was awarded to a consortium, in case of SSLV, the launch vehicle is being entirely offered to the private industry,” IN-SPACe chairman

Pawan Goenka

said.
He added that the recipient of this ToT would be able to grow the small satellite segment in a big way, paving the way for India to become the global hub for such launches.
Isro chairman S Somanath

said: “The private space industry in India so far has played a limited role in contrast to the global scenario wherein private players are in the forefront of space activities. Isro needs to mentor and handhold the private industry and needs to work in a collaborative mode for overall development of the sector. SSLV is an outcome of years of efforts of hundreds of Isro scientists and I’m sure this ToT will give a big boost to the industry.”

Isro has so far flown the SSLV twice and only one of the missions was a success. It is a three-stage solid launch vehicle capable of carrying a payload of up to 500kg to a 500km circular orbit.