Isro's Chandrayaan-3 Rocket LVM3 May Soon Be Built And Operated By Private Companies

India's most powerful rocket, the LVM3, is preparing for a major transition. The same launch vehicle that carried Chandrayaan-3 to the Moon and helped India script history could soon be built, operated and marketed by a private company. In a big step towards expanding private participation in the country's space sector, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has invited Indian companies to express interest in taking over the end-to-end realisation and commercial operations of the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3). The move signals a broader shift in India's space strategy, with mature technologies gradually moving from government control to industry, allowing Isro to focus on next-generation missions and advanced

space exploration programmes.India's "Bahubali" RocketOften referred to as India's "Bahubali" rocket, LVM3 is the country's heaviest operational launch vehicle. Over the years, it has become one of Isro's most reliable workhorses, capable of carrying heavy satellites and deep-space missions. Its biggest moment came in 2023 when it successfully launched Chandrayaan-3, the mission that made India the first nation to land near the Moon's south polar region. Beyond lunar exploration, the rocket has also demonstrated its commercial credentials. It was used for launching multiple satellites for international customers, including missions for OneWeb, highlighting its growing appeal in the global launch market.What The Transfer MeansAccording to the Expression of Interest (EOI) issued by IN-SPACe, the selected private company or consortium will eventually take responsibility for manufacturing, operating and commercialising the rocket. The transition will not happen overnight.Isro will continue to provide technical support and handholding for up to 42 months, or until the selected partner successfully builds and launches two LVM3 rockets, whichever comes first. The objective is straightforward: increase launch capacity, boost private-sector participation and help India secure a larger share of the rapidly growing global space economy.Who Can Apply?The government has set a high bar for interested companies. As outlined by IN-SPACe, applicants must be privately owned Indian organisations that have been operational for at least seven years and possess a minimum of five years of experience in aerospace or space-related activities. Financial strength is equally important. Eligible companies must demonstrate either an average annual turnover exceeding Rs 800 crore across three of the past five years or maintain a valuation of at least Rs 2,000 crore.What About Gaganyaan?The human-rated version of the LVM3 is expected to carry Indian astronauts during the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. However, neither Isro nor IN-SPACe has clarified whether the astronaut-certified variant will eventually become part of the technology transfer programme.