The 2020s will see a new landmark in ISRO’s programmes. The private sector will play a key role in the PSLV launches. The rockets will be manufactured by a consortium of Indian industrial firms, who will procure all the components needed from the suppliers, now numbering 200. All solid components will continue to stay with Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and the liquid rockets will be made by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Godrej will supply components to HAL, while Walchandnagar Industries Ltd., will cater to L&T. The rockets will be launched from ISRO’s spaceport in Sriharikota.

   The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) has taken several initiatives to enable the private sector play a key role in the country’s space programme. These laudable efforts are however viewed as the first step, to be followed by many more to make the private sector take on an active rather than a passive role with the support of innovations from....