ISRO forms new commercial arm to exploit technology, launch satellites

PTI, Jun 28, 2019, 9:36 AM IST

New Delhi: The ISRO has formed the NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a public sector undertaking (PSU) that will commercially exploit the research and development work of the space agency, co-produce PSLV and launch satellites through SSLVs, the government said on Thursday.

The functions of NSIL will involve small satellite technology transfer to industry, manufacture of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) — a product which is being developed by the ISRO — in collaboration with the private sector and productionisation of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) through Indian industry.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh shared this information in a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

“NSIL would enable Indian Industries to scale up high-technology manufacturing and production base for meeting the growing needs of Indian space programme and would further spur the growth of Indian industries in the space sector,” he said.

Antrix Ltd is another PSU under the Department of Space that acts as an commercial arm of the ISRO.