The Chandrayaan 3 mission greatly benefited from the invaluable contributions of the
private space industry. By producing essential booster segments and delivering components
to the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), the sector has fortified India’s position in
cost-effective space exploration. Meanwhile, ISRO has honed its expertise in economically
launching missions, establishing itself as a globally competitive provider of space services.

The private space industry played an instrumental role in executing the Chandrayaan 3 mission. By manufacturing vital booster segments and supplying components to the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) for the Chandrayaan 3 Mission, the industry ensured that India remains at the forefront of cost-effective space exploration. Over time, ISRO has mastered the art of launching missions economically, offering competitively priced space-based services on the global stage.

In recent global developments, companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and Arianespace have transformed the space sector through cost reductions, quicker turnaround times, and cutting-edge technologies. However, traditionally in India, the private space industry was predominantly a vendor for ISRO.

A paradigm shift occurred in June 2020 when the Indian Government, under the Prime Minister’s guidance, opened the space sector to private enterprises. Recognizing the potential of the private space industry to augment India’s share in the booming Global Space Economy, the government founded several new entities: INSPACe, NSIL, and ISpA.

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (INSPACe).  Operating under the Department of Space (DOS), INSPACe serves as an autonomous hub. Its primary functions are to promote, authorize, supervise, and facilitate space ventures by non-governmental entities, which range from building launch vehicles and satellites to providing space-centric services. INSPACe also collaboratively shares space infrastructure overseen by DOS/ISRO. Acting as a bridge between ISRO and Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs), it ensures the optimal utilization of India’s spatial assets.

New Space India (NSIL). Founded in March 2019, NSIL operates as ISRO’s commercial arm, mandated to capitalize on the outcomes of the Indian Space Programme. As a wholly government-owned entity, NSIL covers a range of operations: building launch vehicles with the Indian industrial sector, providing launch services for international clients, creating satellites, establishing ground infrastructure, and offering satellite-centric services. A significant NSIL responsibility is facilitating technology transfers.

Indian Space Association (ISpA).  Established in October 2020, ISpA represents the collective voice of the Indian Space industry. Its primary roles are policy advocacy and engaging with Indian space domain stakeholders, ensuring India’s advancement in the Global Space arena.

Recent Successes in the Private Space Sector

Post the government’s announcement, the private space sector has witnessed significant milestones, including the sub-orbital rocket launch by Skyroot Aerospace, satellite launches by Dhruva Space, Pixxel, and Azista Aerospace, and Digantara’s launch of space weather sensors on the PSLV. Notably, OneWeb’s 72 satellites were also launched from Sriharikota by the GSLV.

The Chandrayaan Mission

ISRO continues to impress the global community with its advancements in space exploration. Apart from satellite launches for companies like OneWeb, its achievements encompass launching OceanSat-2 and introducing the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). A highlight was the Chandrayaan mission in July. While Chandrayaan 1 emphasized orbital observations and Chandrayaan 2 attempted a lunar landing, Chandrayaan 3 achieved a successful soft landing on the moon. The mission’s primary objectives were to demonstrate landing capabilities, showcase rover mobility on the lunar surface, and conduct scientific experiments. With state-of-the-art technologies and thorough testing, Chandrayaan-3 is set to make substantial contributions to lunar knowledge.

Such achievements emphasize the benefits of collaboration between ISRO and the emerging private space industry. By combining the strengths of public and private sectors, India is poised for unparalleled innovation in space exploration.

Contribution of Private Players

The collaborative spirit driving the Chandrayaan 3 project is vividly exemplified through the extensive contributions of various renowned entities within India’s private space industry. Leading this charge is Larsen and Toubro (L&T), whose expertise has been pivotal in manufactured critical booster segments, subsystem manufacturing, proof pressure testing, utilized the manufacturing facility in Coimbatore for producing ground and flight. Likewise, Hindustan Aeronautics, a supplied metallic and composite structures, all propellant tanks and bus structure for rover and lander.

The endeavor also thrives upon the industrious dedication of other esteemed players. Bharat Heavy Electricals has aptly met ISRO’s battery requisites for Chandrayaan-3, ensuring a reliable power source for this ambitious lunar exploration Godrej Aerospace, renowned for its prowess, has engineered and manufactured the very heart of the mission – rocket engines, thrusters, and core components, thereby contributing to the mission’s robust propulsion system. Walchandnagar Industries exclusive facility the critical booster segment S200 used in the LVM3 Launch Vehicle were manufactured and proof pressure tested. Other LVM3-M4s subsystems like Flex nozzle control tankages & S200 Flex nozzle hardware were also a WIL production.  Their state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with robust systems for quality & reliability helped with the success of Chandrayaan-III. Centum Electronics, for LVM3 M4 a total of 110 Modules and segments were produced and for the lander total of 12 modules and subsystems. Total of 220 Mission Critical Modules and Subsystems were delivered for the mission

The tapestry of contributions is further enriched by Kerala Industries (Keltron), responsible for 41 electronics module packages manufactured from Keltron. Keltron additionally offered varied electronics module packages in addition to interface packages on the satellite tv for pc launch automobile LVM3, avionics packages, energy modules for Chandrayaan and take a look at and analysis help. Ananth Technologies on-board computing marvels, precision navigation systems, sophisticated control electronics, resilient telemetry systems, & ingenious power architectures, among others. MTAR Technologies, supplied Vikas engines, cryogenic engine sub systems, including turbo pump, booster pump, gas generator and injector head and electro-pneumatic modules for launch vehicle mark-III (LVM 3). Moreover, Himson Industrial Ceramic’s supplied “squibs,” to ISRO which has been used in Chandrayan. This ceramic component which is called “squibs,” are fire-proof and will not melt even at 3,000 degrees Celsius. Their ceramic components have been used in Chandrayan-1 and Chandrayan-2 and now Chandrayaan-3 is also using these components. Tata Advanced Systems has been an invaluable partner in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. With a specialization in aerospace, defense, and homeland security solutions, the company’s contributions range from manufacturing launch vehicle components to providing critical satellite systems. Mishra Dhatu Nigam (Midhani) several tons of material go into the making of the LVM3 M4. MIDHANI has supplied Cobalt base alloys, Nickel base alloys, Titanium alloys and Special steels for Liquid engines, Nozzles for liquid stages, Gas bottles, Thrusters, Cryogenic upper stage components, Rocket motor casing, Propellant tanks and Investment castings of

nickel alloys, Stainless steel for Exhaust Unit. Taneja Aerospace constructed significant structural components for HAL and supplied parts to ISRO for booster rockets. The firm is also a supplier of aerostructures to government organisations like HAL and NAL, contributing to new aircraft development programs. Electrosteel Castings provided ductile iron pipes to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located on Sriharikota Island, which serves as India’s sole spaceport. Alongside ductile iron pipes, the company’s product portfolio includes ductile iron fittings, flange pipes, and restrained joint pipes. Tata Elxsi played a significant role in the Chandrayaan-3 mission by creating spacecraft, avionics, and software. Through its partnership with ISRO, the company has become a crucial contributor to the space sector. Paras Defence and Space Technologies, in collaboration with NSIL, have diligently facilitated the commercialization of ISRO’s cutting-edge technologies, a testimony to the fruitful synergy between government and private sectors.

The successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-III signifies a huge success for the Indian Space capabilities and prowess it places India amongst the select nations who have landed on the moon. This success raises the credibility and prestige of ISRO but as a trickle down well open opportunities for the nascent private space sector in terms of value and access. This joint effort highlights India’s rising prominence in space exploration. The synergy between ISRO’s expertise and the private sector’s innovation exemplifies India’s commitment to furthering space exploration and promises a bright future in the cosmos.

TABLE OF CONTRIBUTIONS BY PRIVATE SPACE INDUSTRY