Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Adani Group, JSW, and Mahindra are reportedly among at least six companies and consortia considering bids to manufacture and operate the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) heavy-lift Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), popularly known as ‘Bahubali’.
The progress signals India’s private space sector moving closer to one of the most significant rocket technology transfers.
The companies are considering submitting expressions of interest (EoIs) to acquire ISRO’s technology and know-how for the commercial manufacture, launch and operation of the rocket. LVM3 can carry satellites weighing up to four tonnes and is ISRO’s heaviest operational launch vehicle.
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Who is Eyeing ISRO’s LVM3 Technology?
The reported contenders include a JSW alliance with space start-up Ethereal Exploration Guild (EtherealX). Nagpur-based Solar Industries leads another consortium and includes Bharat Forge and Inox India.
The proposed technology transfer covers the complete LVM3 process, including design, propulsion, avionics, navigation, manufacturing, testing, vehicle integration and launch operations.
Bidders will have to demonstrate that they can absorb this end-to-end technical know-how. The EoIs are due by Monday, while formal bidding is expected in October.
The selected company or consortium will have 42 months, or two realised launch vehicles, to complete the technology transfer process before building the infrastructure needed to manufacture the rocket and its systems independently.
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ISRO’s Wider Private-Sector Push
The LVM3 move is a part of ISRO’s broader plan to hand routine rocket manufacturing and launches to private industry, allowing the space agency to concentrate on advanced and deep-space missions.
It follows the transfer of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to Hindustan Aeronautics and industry-led manufacturing of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) by an L&T-HAL consortium. With LVM3, three of ISRO’s four operational launch vehicles- SSLV, PSLV and LVM3- would move into private-sector manufacturing.
LVM3 is also important for India’s space programme because it launches large communication and other high-value satellites. A reconfigured, human-rated version is planned for India’s first crewed spaceflight under the Gaganyaan programme.
For companies considering the opportunity, the timing comes as global demand for launch services grows. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) estimates India’s space economy could expand from $8.4 billion in 2022 to $44 billion by 2033.
The final selection will consider both technical capability and price. Only bidders clearing the minimum technical threshold will have their commercial bids evaluated.
The LVM3 process will be an important test of how quickly India’s private space industry can move from participating in rocket manufacturing to independently building and operating a major launch vehicle.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
