Isro plans a new business model

Nearly 400 companies, including large, medium and micro size, make are working with Isro

Isro on Friday said it would arrive at a business model, which would increase private sector participation in Indian space research programmes. This could help Isro focus on its other core activities, according to Isro Chairman K Radhakrishnan. He said, “We are working at a possible model for investment, sharing of technology and responsibility with industries. The response from the industries — public and private — is positive so far. It will take three or four years to arrive at a proper model.” Nearly 400 companies, including large, medium and micro, are working with Isro currently to manufacture launch vehicles. Some are involved in fabricating and testing, while some are in assembling work.

He added, ISRO held discussion with the Confederation of Indian Industry, which had a large number of companies participating in various launches. To a question whether the model will be public-private-participation (PPP) model he said: “I don’t want to say one model. We will have a model that will work in India.”

The increase in private sector participation in the manufacturing of satellites and launch vehicles, will allow Isro to increase its focus on other core areas.