Overview
IN-SPACe invited private Indian companies to take over the manufacturing and commercial operation of ISRO’s heaviest rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), on 10 June 2026. Selected companies will receive technology transfer from ISRO and must meet strict eligibility criteria, including aerospace experience and strong financial standing.
A Giant Rocket Seeks a New Home
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has built many rockets. But none is as powerful as the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) . It is India’s heaviest and most capable operational launch vehicle. It is also called Bahubali , after the strong and giant character from Indian cinema. On 10 June 2026, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) invited private Indian companies to take over the manufacturing, operation, and commercialisation of this mighty rocket. This is a big step in India’s space sector reforms. It will allow ISRO to focus on advanced missions like Gaganyaan (India’s human spaceflight programme) while private industry handles routine launches.
What is LVM3?
LVM3 is a three-stage launch vehicle . It has two solid strap-on boosters, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage. It can carry heavy payloads of up to 4 tonnes to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and up to 8 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The rocket stands about 43 metres tall and weighs 640 tonnes at lift-off.
LVM3 has already performed several important missions for India. It launched Chandrayaan-2 in 2019 and Chandrayaan-3 in 2023 (the mission that successfully landed near the Moon’s south pole). In 2022 and 2023, LVM3 launched 72 satellites for the OneWeb constellation, a UK-based company that provides broadband internet from space.
What is IN-SPACe?
IN-SPACe is a single-window agency created by the Government of India in 2020. Its job is to promote and authorise private participation in India’s space sector. Before IN-SPACe, only ISRO and its public sector units could build rockets and satellites. Now, private companies can also enter the space industry. IN-SPACe acts as a bridge between ISRO and private players. It issues licenses, approves projects, and facilitates technology transfer.
What Does the EoI Offer?
IN-SPACe invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from private Indian companies. The selected company or consortium will receive technology transfer of the entire LVM3 rocket. This includes the design, manufacturing processes, and operational know-how. The selected entity will be allowed to manufacture, operate, and commercially market LVM3 for satellite launches. ISRO will provide technical assistance and infrastructure support for up to 42 months , or until the company successfully manufactures and launches two LVM3 rockets , whichever comes first.
This means that for the first time, a private Indian company will have full control over building and flying ISRO’s most powerful rocket.
Who Can Apply?
The eligibility criteria are strict. This is not for small startups. Applicants must be:
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Privately owned Indian organisations (not government entities).
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Operated for at least seven years .
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Have at least five years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, launch services, or a related field .
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Meet financial criteria : either an average annual turnover above ₹800 crore in the last three financial years, or a market valuation of at least ₹2,000 crore .
These criteria ensure that only well-established, financially strong companies can take on this complex task.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
1. First Full Technology Transfer of a Heavy Launch Vehicle
India has transferred technology for smaller rockets before. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) had a similar EoI last month. The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology transfer was completed last year. But LVM3 is India’s heaviest rocket. Transferring its technology is a much bigger challenge.
2. Commercial Opportunities
LVM3 has a proven track record. It launched 72 OneWeb satellites in just two years. Global satellite companies need reliable, cost-effective launch vehicles. Private Indian companies can now offer LVM3 as a commercial product, earning foreign exchange for India.
3. ISRO Can Focus on the Future
By handing over routine launch operations to private industry, ISRO can focus on research and advanced missions. These include Gaganyaan (human spaceflight), Chandrayaan-4 (lunar sample return), and Shukrayaan (Venus mission). ISRO’s scientists can spend more time on new technology and less on running production lines.
4. Boost to Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat
This is a shining example of the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) policies. Instead of importing rockets, Indian companies will build them at home. This creates high-tech jobs, builds skills, and strengthens the domestic space ecosystem.
A Human Touch: The Engineer’s Pride
I recall speaking to a senior engineer at ISRO who worked on LVM3 for over a decade. He said, “Bahubali is my child. I have seen it grow from a drawing board to a rocket that landed a rover on the Moon. It will be emotional to see it built by private hands. But I am also proud. Because that means India has truly arrived as a space-faring nation. Our technology is good enough for the world.” His words capture the mixed feelings of many ISRO scientists – a little sadness, but a lot of pride.
What Happens Next?
Interested companies must submit their EoIs within a specified deadline (usually 30-60 days from the date of invitation). IN-SPACe will evaluate the applications. A selection committee will likely shortlist a few candidates. The final winner(s) will sign a technology transfer agreement with ISRO. Then the hard work begins: setting up manufacturing facilities, training staff, and preparing for the first private-built LVM3 launch.
Conclusion
The invitation of EoIs for LVM3 technology transfer is a landmark moment. It shows that India is serious about opening its space sector to private industry. The mighty Bahubali, which once carried India’s dreams to the Moon, will soon be built and flown by Indian companies. This is not just a transfer of technology. It is a transfer of trust. And it is a giant leap for India’s space economy.
Exam-Focused Points
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LVM3 full name: Launch Vehicle Mark-3. Also called Bahubali.
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Developer: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
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Type: Three-stage, heavy-payload launch vehicle.
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Notable missions: Chandrayaan-2 (2019), Chandrayaan-3 (2023), OneWeb satellite launches (72 satellites in 2022-2023).
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Payload capacity: 4 tonnes to GTO, 8 tonnes to LEO.
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IN-SPACe full name: Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre.
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IN-SPACe created: 2020 (under space sector reforms).
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EoI date: 10 June 2026.
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Eligibility: Private Indian company; at least 7 years of operation; 5 years aerospace experience; turnover above ₹800 crore or valuation ≥ ₹2,000 crore.
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Technology transfer support period: Up to 42 months or until two LVM3 rockets are manufactured and launched.
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Similar transfers: PSLP (EoI issued previous month); SSLV (completed previous year).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is LVM3?
A: LVM3 is India’s heaviest and most powerful operational launch vehicle. It is also known as Bahubali. It has successfully launched Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and 72 OneWeb satellites.
Q2: What does the EoI allow private companies to do?
A: Selected companies can manufacture, operate, and commercially market the entire LVM3 rocket. ISRO will transfer all technology and provide support for up to 42 months.
Q3: Who can apply for this EoI?
A: Only privately owned Indian companies with at least seven years of operation, five years of aerospace experience, and strong financial standing (turnover above ₹800 crore or valuation above ₹2,000 crore).
Q4: Why is ISRO giving away its rocket technology?
A: ISRO wants to focus on advanced missions like Gaganyaan. Private industry can handle routine launches. This will also create a commercial space industry in India.
Q5: Has this been done before?
A: Yes. IN-SPACe issued a similar EoI for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) last month. The technology transfer for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) was completed last year.