India’s first privately manufactured Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), developed by a consortium of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), is scheduled for launch in early 2026. The rocket will carry the Oceansat / EOS-10 Earth observation satellite. This marks a major milestone in India’s space-sector privatization and NewSpace growth.
Key Highlights
- The first commercially built PSLV rocket by the HAL–L&T consortium is ready for launch.
- Will place Oceansat (EOS-10) into orbit in early 2026.
- ISRO signed an agreement in 2022 with HAL–L&T consortium for manufacturing 5 PSLV-XL launch vehicles.
- Represents India’s transition from ISRO-led manufacturing to industry-led rocket building.
- At least two more PSLV launches by the private consortium are expected next year.
- Launch was originally scheduled for early 2025 but delayed due to unavailability of satellite.
Mission Details
- Rocket designation: PSLV-N1 (first privately built mission)
- Payload: Earth observation satellite EOS-10
- ISRO stepped back to allow industry to take over PSLV production while focusing on:
- Human spaceflight missions
- Deep space missions
- Next-generation launcher development (NGLV)
- Research and innovation
Why Commercializing PSLV Matters
| Factor | Impact |
| Growing demand for satellite launches | Faster production & execution cycles |
| Global launch market competition | Improves India’s cost-efficient launch profile |
| Private sector integration | Reduces ISRO’s manufacturing load |
| Space market expansion | Supports India’s growing NewSpace economy |
Industry Model & Future Path
| PSLV Model | SSLV Model |
| Consortium builds PSLV for ISRO initially | Fully commercial from Day 1, private companies market themselves |
| ISRO provides payloads & schedules missions | Companies responsible for sales & customers |
| May later market launches independently | Already private-driven |
- SSLV technology transferred to HAL, which is also part of the PSLV consortium.
- Satellite manufacturers (communications & Earth observation) are already showing interest due to larger lift capability compared to SSLV or Vikram-I.
Strengthening India’s Launch Market
- Enhances India’s position as a reliable, cost-effective global launch provider
- Encourages:
- Faster launch scheduling
- Reduced costs due to localized production
- Opportunity to build independent international client base
- Boosts:
- Space industry employment
- Manufacturing supply chains
- Private investment in aerospace
Challenges & Milestone Achievement
- First time an entire launch vehicle was built outside government premises
- Required close collaboration with ISRO for:
- Fabrication complexity
- Integrated systems testing
- High-precision safety & qualification processes
- Successful launch will pave the way for:
- Orders beyond the initial batch of 5 PSLV-XL
- Increased commercial participation and exports
About PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)
| Feature | Details |
| First flight | 1993 |
| Launch vehicle type | Four-stage, expendable |
| Stages | 1 & 3 solid propellant; 2 & 4 liquid |
| Variants | PSLV-G, PSLV-CA, PSLV-XL |
| Payload capacity | Up to 1,750 kg to Sun-Synchronous Orbit |
| Major accomplishments | Chandrayaan-1, Mangalyaan, record 104 satellites launch (2017) |
| Key customer profile | Earth observation & small-sat markets |