Indian billionaire Gautam Adani is now entering the space sector. According to a report by Reuters, Adani Group is among the three finalists competing for the production of India’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). The other two contenders are state-owned companies – Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
If everything goes as planned, Adani Defense Systems, along with Alpha Design Technologies, may take charge of SSLV production in the future.
What is SSLV?
The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a low-cost and small rocket developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). It is designed to launch satellites weighing up to 500 kg into low-Earth orbit.
Currently, there is high demand for such small satellite launchers in the global market.
SpaceX Dominates the Global Satellite Launch Market
After the first successful launch of SSLV in 2023, the Indian government decided to hand over its production to private companies. This move aims to expand India’s commercial space sector and compete with global space giants like SpaceX.
A total of 20 companies participated in the bidding for the SSLV contract. The winning company will have to pay ISRO around ₹3 billion for the rights to manufacture the SSLV, learn its design and quality standards, and receive technical training.
The 24-month contract includes technical support from ISRO and two successful rocket launches.
A Game Changer for India’s Space Industry
Experts believe that the privatization of SSLV production could be a game changer for India’s space industry. This move will boost India’s presence in the global space launch market and provide tough competition to companies like SpaceX.