Chandrayaan-3 boost: L&T aims big on commercial satellite launch business

To bid for SSLV tech; targets its first PSLV launch next yr

After playing a crucial role in the Chandrayaan-3 mission, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is looking to make a mark in the commercial satellite launch business and bid for the transfer of technology of the small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV), developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), according to senior company executives.
 

SSLVs are capable of carrying a payload of up to 500 kg to low Earth orbit. The transfer of the SSLV technology would be the first instance in the world where a space agency is giving up the entire tech for a launch vehicle exclusively to the private sector.
 

L&T has already secured an Rs 860 crore deal as part of a consortium that also includes Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) for the end-to-end production of polar satellite launch vehicles (PSLVs).

Known for carrying out engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects, the Indian multinational provided several critical parts for the Chandrayaan-3 mission, including the LVM3-M4 rocket. From manufacturing subsystems to mission tracking, it was involved in nearly every aspect of India’s latest lunar mission, which witnessed a soft landing by lander Vikram, and a moonwalk by rover Pragayan near the lunar South Pole —a first by any country.

L&T is also set to contribute to the ambitious Aditya-L1 mission to study the Sun, and the Gaganyaan mission, which seeks to demonstrate Isro’s human spaceflight capability. The company first collaborated with the Indian space agency in 1979 for the initial SLV rockets.

If L&T secures the SSLV technology, it plans to employ more economical, mobile launchers, instead of constructing a separate launch facility. At least 20 companies are part of the expression of interest (EoI) stage. Isro’s commercial arm, IN-SPACe (the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), invited EoIs in July.

On the other hand, PSLV launches will continue to be carried at Isro’s existing launch pad. The first launch by the PSLV consortium is expected next year.

“The moon landing is a resounding validation of the tenacity and spirit of Isro scientists. We are proud to have been part of this historic occasion and humbled by the confidence the nation placed in our high-tech manufacturing expertise,” said S N Subrahmanyan, chief executive officer and managing director, L&T. He said the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan was one of the key drivers of this success.

About L&T plans to bid for the SSLV technology, AT Ramchandani, executive vice-president and head, L&T Defence, said: “We are looking to acquire that technology; we are aiming to build the SSLV. We believe that there is a lot of potential in providing launch services to low Earth orbit -- including for smaller satellites and satellite constellations. Our sense is that once this vehicle is part of our product range, we can offer launch services through L&T.”

A major reason for this increased interest in the commercial satellite launch business is the Indian Space Policy 2023, released in April, which targets a greater private sector participation in the entire value chain of the space economy. According to the policy, Isro will encourage new-generation entities to participate in space exploration and human presence in outer space, including collaboration with domestic and international stakeholders.

“We are moving into an era in which Isro is not going to conduct commercial missions. Satellite launches will be handled by the industry. The first such contract we signed, in consortium with HAL, is with NewSpace India. This contract involves launching five PSLVs into polar orbit to carry payloads,” Ramchandani said.

According to estimates, 50,000 satellites are expected to be launched in 10 years and this may turn out to be a huge boost for companies like L&T.

Asked about the upcoming Isro missions, Ramchandani said that his company is “very active” in both Aditya-L1 and Gaganyaan missions. “The hardware that we built for the Gaganyaan programme is a level higher in terms of reliability and precision. That raises our production capabilities,” he added.