New Delhi

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has invited private Indian companies to take over the complete transfer of technology for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), marking a major step towards greater private sector participation in India’s space programme.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the space regulator said the initiative is intended for capable Indian firms with experience in executing complex multi-disciplinary turnkey projects and an interest in entering the global medium-lift satellite launch market through commercial launch services using PSLV technology.

IN-SPACe said the selected company would receive extensive support from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to facilitate smooth technology absorption. The support, including infrastructure and technical handholding, will be available for a defined period of 30 months or until the successful realisation and launch of two PSLV vehicles by the chosen entity, whichever occurs earlier.

The regulator clarified that the technology transfer opportunity is open only to private Indian entities and subject to specific eligibility conditions.

As per the criteria, the applicant company — or at least one member of a consortium, if applicable — must have a minimum of five years of experience in the space or aerospace sector.

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Additionally, the company must either have recorded an annual turnover of more than Rs 400 crore in any three of the last five financial years or possess a valuation of at least Rs 1,000 crore.