ISRO looks to productionise heavy lift launcher LVM-3 under PPP framework
NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) has released a Request for Qualification (RFQ) document inviting Indian industry partners for productionising Indian Space Research Organisation’s heavy lift launcher - LVM-3 under a PPP framework. This collaboration aims towards manufacturing LVM-3s in increased numbers and over a longer period of time.
WHAT IS LVM-3?
The LVM3 production programme under a PPP framework is proposed over a period of 14 years with the Indian industry expected to produce up to six LVM-3 annually from the sixth year of commencement of the programme. LVM-3 is the new heavy lift launch vehicle of ISRO for achieving a 4,000 kg spacecraft launching capability to GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit) in a cost eective manner. It is a three stage launch vehicle consisting of two solid propellant S200 strap-ons and core stages comprising of L110 liquid stage, C25 cryogenic stage, the equipment bay (EB) and the Encapsulated assembly (EA). The EA has the spacecraft, Payload Adaptor (PLA) and the Payload fairing (PF).
With a lift-o mass of 640 tonnes, the 43.5 m tall three-stage launch vehicle gives ISRO full self-reliance in launching heavier communication satellites that weigh up to 4,000 kg in GTO.
NSIL is the commercial arm of ISRO with a mandate to enable Indian industries to scale up high-technology manufacturing and production base in the country for meeting the emerging domestic and international space programme needs.
As part of Space Sector reforms, announced by the Government of India in 2020, and the Indian Space Policy 2023, activities opened up for enhanced private sector participation.