ISRO Set to Hand Over Rocket Manufacturing to Private Sector

India’s space sector is witnessing a major structural transformation. IN-SPACe Chairman Dr. Pawan Goenka has announced that ISRO will gradually move away from the routine manufacturing of launch vehicles and satellites. Instead, mature rocket technologies such as the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) are being transferred to Indian private companies and public sector undertakings for commercial production and assembly.

The move is expected to allow ISRO to shift its focus from regular manufacturing activities to advanced research, new technology development and ambitious scientific missions, including deep-space exploration. More than 120 technologies have already been transferred to private players, marking a growing role for the private sector in India’s space ecosystem. The country is aiming to expand its domestic space economy from around $8 billion to $44 billion by 2033, making private participation a key part of its long-term space strategy.