ISRO’s commercial launches put satellites into orbit for paying customers, either as dedicated missions or by sharing payload space. Over the years, the Indian Space Research Organisation shifted from mainly fulfilling national needs to going after a bigger slice of the international market with affordable, reliable launch services.
For ISRO, a commercial launch means putting satellites into orbit for clients outside the Indian government. These missions bring in revenue through launch service contracts with international companies, foreign governments, and private organizations.
ISRO’s business arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), manages all commercial activities and customer relationships. Most commercial payloads ride alongside Indian satellites as secondary passengers.
ISRO usually relies on its tried-and-tested rockets for these launches. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) carries most small satellite missions, while the heavier LVM3 rocket takes care of bigger payloads and satellite constellations.
So far, ISRO has launched 384 foreign satellites across about 10 dedicated commercial missions. These numbers keep climbing as more global customers look for dependable, affordable launch options.
ISRO’s commercial launch program started small, with the occasional foreign satellite hitching a ride as a secondary payload. Early on, ISRO focused on proving it could deliver before chasing a bigger commercial presence.
Things really took off after the OneWeb satellite constellation contract. That deal marked India’s serious move into commercial space, especially after OneWeb dropped Russian launches due to geopolitical issues.
Revenue has grown steadily. NewSpace India Limited reported Rs. 1,713 crores in FY 2021-22, and projections suggest that could reach Rs. 3,509 crores by FY 2023-24.
Right now, India holds just 2% of the global commercial space market. The government wants to bump that up to 10% by 2030, banking on better launch capabilities and more private partnerships.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is where most ISRO commercial launches head. LEO stretches from 180 to 2,000 kilometers above Earth—most communication and imaging satellites end up here.
Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) is another big one. SSO satellites cross the equator at the same local solar time, which is great for Earth observation and weather monitoring.
ISRO’s rockets can also reach Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) for heavier satellites. These missions need powerful vehicles like LVM3.
The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is ISRO’s newest offering for commercial launches. It’s designed for the growing nanosatellite market, offering flexible and quick launch schedules.
ISRO currently flies three main launch vehicles for commercial satellites. The PSLV is the go-to for small and medium payloads, the LVM3 handles heavier satellites and big international contracts, and the new SSLV targets the fast-growing small satellite market with lower-cost launches.
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle has been ISRO’s commercial backbone since 1994. This four-stage rocket has pulled off more than 50 missions with a pretty remarkable reliability record.
PSLV is great at putting satellites into low Earth orbits below 2,000 kilometers. Its PSLV-XL variant can take up to 1,860 kg, making it a solid choice for Earth observation and communication satellites.
Commercial operators often pick PSLV for its track record and competitive pricing. The rocket usually carries multiple satellites at once, letting customers split launch costs through rideshare deals.
International satellites frequently join PSLV missions as secondary payloads. This piggyback model has made ISRO a favorite for small satellite operators around the world.
The vehicle’s solid propellant stages deliver steady performance, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Launch prep typically takes about 70 days with a team of 60 specialists.
The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 is ISRO’s heavy lifter for more demanding commercial jobs. Previously called GSLV Mk-III, this three-stage rocket can handle high-value satellite deployments.
LVM3 can haul 4,000 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. It uses cryogenic engines running on liquid hydrogen and oxygen for maximum thrust.
Commercial customers go for LVM3 when they need to launch large communication satellites with precise placement. The rocket’s advanced guidance ensures satellites end up exactly where they’re supposed to in geostationary orbit at 35,786 kilometers.
International operators are showing more interest in LVM3, mainly because of its lower price compared to Western options. The rocket’s solid reliability is a big draw for clients who want affordable access to geostationary orbit.
Recent missions have shown LVM3 can handle a mix of payloads, from one big satellite to several medium-sized ones.
The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle is ISRO’s answer to the surging demand for dedicated small satellite launches. This three-stage solid-propellant rocket kicked off commercial operations in 2024.
SSLV can lift up to 500 kg to low Earth orbit. It features a Velocity Trimming Module to fine-tune the satellite’s orbit.
SSLV stands out with its quick turnaround—just 72 hours between launches. Only six technicians are needed for launch prep, which keeps costs down to about $4 million per mission.
This rocket lets small satellite operators launch on their own schedule, without waiting for a bigger payload to hitch a ride.
Universities, startups, and constellation operators make up most of the SSLV’s customer base. Its on-demand launch ability is a big plus for time-sensitive missions.
SSLV’s low cost makes it a strong option for commercial Earth observation and communication microsatellites. Once it’s running at full speed, ISRO expects up to 24 SSLV launches a year.
NSIL has taken on the role of ISRO’s commercial arm since 2019, managing international satellite launches and building partnerships with global space companies. The organization oversees PSLV and SSLV manufacturing and goes after launch contracts from clients all over the world.
NewSpace India Limited started up on March 6, 2019, as a wholly owned Government of India company under the Department of Space. It’s a Schedule ‘A’ Category Public Sector Enterprise with a clear commercial focus.
NSIL’s main job is to help Indian industries ramp up high-tech manufacturing for space programs through technology transfer. The company is eyeing the booming global small satellite launch market.
NSIL works to offer space-related products and services from India’s space program to customers worldwide. By supporting tough space activities, the company aims to boost India’s industry.
Key business areas include PSLV production with Indian industry partners, SSLV manufacturing, and launch services for international clients. NSIL also provides satellite-based services and builds satellites with subsystems.
NSIL brings in revenue from several commercial streams, with launch services leading the way. ISRO has launched 297 customer satellites from 33 countries on PSLV rockets as of June 2019, carving out a solid spot in the market.
The company pulled off its first dedicated commercial mission in February 2028, putting Brazil’s Amazonia-1 satellite into orbit from Sriharikota. That mission showed NSIL can handle full commercial launch operations.
Revenue streams include:
NSIL wants to hit 10 commercial SSLV launches per year by 2026, aiming to grow its market share. The company serves both domestic and international customers in a range of satellite applications.
NSIL has built partnerships with companies in Australia, Brazil, and several other countries looking for reliable launches. Recently, NSIL inked a major deal with Space Machines Company, an Australian-Indian in-space servicing firm.
International clients mostly look to NSIL for small satellite launches and dedicated missions. The company keeps prices competitive compared to global rivals, all while delivering ISRO’s trademark reliability.
Major collaboration areas include tech transfer agreements with Indian industries, joint satellite building, and ground infrastructure development. NSIL works closely with local companies to create a strong satellite manufacturing ecosystem.
NSIL keeps expanding its customer base by marketing ISRO’s products, technologies, and launch capabilities. The company recently locked in four more dedicated launch contracts, showing that international confidence in India’s commercial space sector is on the rise.
The Satish Dhawan Space Center on Sriharikota island is India’s main commercial launch facility, with several launch pads supporting different rockets. The center’s spot on the coast gives it some real advantages for satellite launches.
The Satish Dhawan Space Center runs three launch pads, each for different types of rockets. The First Launch Pad (FLP), built in the 1990s, takes care of PSLV and SSLV missions and kicked off with the PSLV/IRS-P1 launch in September 1993.
The Second Launch Pad (SLP) opened in 2005 for GSLV and LVM3 vehicles. Its first mission was in May 2005 with PSLV/CARTOSAT-1.
India has approved a Third Launch Pad, with a price tag of 3,984.86 crore rupees. This new pad will support Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and heavy rockets, and it’s expected to be ready in about four years.
The center also has vehicle assembly buildings, satellite prep facilities, and refueling systems. These support structures help it handle both Indian and international commercial launches smoothly.
Sriharikota’s east coast location gives it some clear technical perks. Being close to the equator, rockets get about 450 meters per second extra speed from Earth’s rotation.
This spot is perfect for geostationary satellite launches since those satellites need to orbit in the equatorial plane. Commercial clients launching communication satellites really benefit from this.
The island is uninhabited and sits by the Bay of Bengal, so spent rocket stages safely splash down in the ocean. That makes things safer and cheaper for commercial operators.
The center’s coastal access also means big rocket parts can arrive by ship, which keeps logistics simple and costs down for everyone.
ISRO has pulled off some pretty impressive commercial missions through NSIL. The OneWeb satellite deployments stand out as the agency’s biggest commercial win so far, and partnerships with AST SpaceMobile show ISRO can handle specialized satellite launches too.
ISRO pulled off a huge commercial win with the LVM3-M2 OneWeb India-1 Mission, sending 36 satellites into orbit in just one go. For NSIL, India’s commercial space wing, this was the first full-fledged commercial satellite launch.
They used the LVM3 rocket, which carried a whopping 5,796 kg—the heaviest payload ISRO’s lifted so far. After launching from Sriharikota at 12:07 AM, all the satellites settled into their assigned LEO spots.
OneWeb’s satellites came from Network Access Associated Ltd, a joint venture between Bharti Global (India) and the UK Government. Thanks to this mission, OneWeb could start offering connectivity all across India, from Ladakh right down to Kanyakumari.
ISRO packed the LVM3 vehicle with indigenous technology, including a specially designed cryogenic stage. This stage could twist and turn in different directions, making sure the satellites separated safely and landed exactly where they were supposed to.
By teaming up with OneWeb, ISRO managed to deliver broadband connectivity to businesses, schools, and municipalities across India by 2023. That success really cemented LVM3’s place in the global commercial launch scene.
ISRO also launched AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites, stretching its commercial partnerships beyond standard constellations. These missions showed that ISRO could handle a variety of international commercial payloads.
The BlueBird satellites help AST SpaceMobile bring direct cellular connectivity from space straight to regular mobile phones. ISRO’s precision with orbital insertion was crucial for these high-tech communication satellites.
NSIL’s client list keeps growing, now reaching American space companies and not just OneWeb. These launches boosted India’s standing in the commercial launch market.
ISRO has really built up its commercial capabilities lately, thanks to LVM3’s solid record with international clients and SSLV’s move from development to commercial use. Now, ISRO runs two launch vehicles, each serving a different part of the global space market.
LVM3 has become ISRO’s go-to rocket for commercial satellite launches. This three-stage rocket operates out of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre and puts all sorts of payloads into orbit for clients around the world.
Recent launches show just how reliable the LVM3 is in a pretty tough market. It’s put several foreign satellites into space, helping ISRO build a reputation for affordable launches.
International agencies keep picking ISRO for their important missions. The Proba-3 launch for the European Space Agency in December 2024 proved the LVM3 could deliver tricky scientific payloads to precise orbits.
Commercial customers like that the LVM3 can haul up to 4,000 kilograms to geostationary transfer orbit. That makes ISRO a real contender against other launch providers, especially with the cost savings.
The SSLV rocket is ISRO’s ticket into the small satellite launch business. It’s aimed squarely at commercial customers who want to send up payloads of up to 500 kilograms.
Three development flights have already proven the SSLV’s design and how it operates. These test launches showed the rocket could accurately deploy small satellites and get ready for launch quickly.
ISRO is planning to hand over SSLV operations to private industry partners for commercial launches. That should mean more launches, while ISRO can focus on bigger missions using the LVM3.
With the SSLV rocket, small satellite operators now get dedicated launches from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre—no more waiting for a rideshare on a bigger rocket.
ISRO keeps reaching for new commercial ground, planning more missions for international clients and building strategic partnerships. The agency is lining up special launches with its cost-effective SSLV and working on new international deals.
NSIL landed a dedicated SSLV mission for Space Machines Company, a big step for ISRO’s commercial work. This Australian firm focuses on orbital transfer vehicles and satellite servicing.
SSLV’s simple design cuts costs for small satellite launches. That makes it a great option compared to traditional rockets.
Space Machines Company picked ISRO for its track record and pricing. SSLV can deploy up to 500 kg into low Earth orbit.
This launch proves NSIL can deliver customized mission solutions for clients abroad. The deal could lead to future collaborations with Australian space startups.
ISRO is carving out a bigger spot in the small satellite launch market. More commercial clients want dedicated launches instead of rideshares, since it gives them more control.
ISRO wants to pull off at least 10 launches in 2025, with several commercial missions on the calendar. They’re eyeing international clients who need reliable, affordable launches.
The NISAR mission highlights ISRO’s teamwork with NASA. This radar imaging satellite shows off the agency’s technical chops in big international projects.
NSIL offers a full menu of launch options across different rockets. They handle both rideshares and dedicated launches for all sorts of payload sizes.
Future partnerships will help ISRO grab a bigger share of the global market. The agency leans into its cost advantage to compete with long-established launch providers.
International satellite operators keep coming back because ISRO’s flight systems have a strong track record. The agency’s launch success rate and competitive prices make it a top pick for commercial missions.
ISRO’s commercial launches revolve around specific orbits and advanced rocket tech. They mostly send payloads to low Earth orbit and sun-synchronous orbits with three main launch vehicles.
Most commercial satellites fly between 180 and 2,000 km above Earth in low Earth orbit. This altitude keeps launch costs down and makes access to space easier.
Sun-synchronous orbits are a favorite for Earth observation satellites. These orbits let satellites pass over the same spot at the same local solar time every day.
ISRO’s PSLV is the main rocket for LEO launches. It put 36 OneWeb satellites into orbit on commercial missions, proving it can handle lots of payloads at once.
The SSLV is aimed at the booming small satellite market, offering launch-on-demand services. It’s built for quick turnarounds and multiple small payloads per flight.
ISRO provides polar orbits around 600-900 km up for most Earth observation satellites. These orbits give full global coverage as the planet spins beneath the satellite.
The LVM3 uses cryogenic engine technology for heavy payloads. This engine lets ISRO launch satellites weighing up to 5,796 kg, like in the LVM3-M2 mission.
ISRO’s PSLV has a four-stage setup with both solid and liquid fuels. Its reputation for reliability keeps international customers coming back.
The SSLV is ISRO’s most flexible commercial rocket. Its modular design means it can quickly adapt to different payloads and orbits.
Payload fairings fit all sorts of satellite sizes and shapes. ISRO’s rockets can launch one big satellite or a bunch of smaller ones in a single go.
Advanced guidance systems make sure satellites get to the right orbit. These systems help with precise placement for communication and navigation satellites.
ISRO’s commercial launches boost India’s diplomatic ties with over 35 countries and bring in serious revenue and jobs for the aerospace industry. These missions help India stand out as a budget-friendly choice in a global space market worth billions.
ISRO has sent more than 400 foreign satellites into space for countries like the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and Singapore. These launches build strong diplomatic bonds that go beyond just business.
The OneWeb constellation launches were a turning point for India’s space diplomacy. ISRO launched 36 OneWeb satellites with the LVM-3 in October 2022, showing it could handle big commercial contracts for clients overseas.
Key diplomatic benefits:
NSIL manages these global partnerships, freeing ISRO to focus on national projects. The European Space Agency’s choice of ISRO for the Proba-3 mission really shows how much India’s reputation for precision has grown.
Countries pick ISRO because it delivers results and keeps costs in check. Every successful mission makes India’s spot in global space agreements just a bit stronger.
India wants to grab 8-10 percent of the global commercial space market in the next ten years. Right now, it’s under 2 percent, so there’s a lot of room to grow.
The country’s space economy plan aims to jump from $8 billion to $40 billion. Commercial launches play a big role in this, driving direct revenue and building up the supply chain.
NSIL handles the business side and creates jobs across engineering, electronics, and project management. Factories, testing sites, and launch centers all need skilled workers.
Economic impact:
Private companies like Agnikul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace are adding even more jobs. They’re building their own rockets and helping grow India’s space sector.
Thousands of small and midsize businesses benefit as the supply chain grows. Making components, testing gear, and producing special materials creates a whole ecosystem supporting commercial space.
ISRO has run into some tough technical failures that hit its commercial launch services, especially when deploying satellites for clients. How the agency manages these risks and stays open about setbacks really affects how much clients trust Indian space launches.
The GSLV-F10 mission failure in August 2021 stands out as a major blow. The rocket’s cryogenic third stage didn’t ignite, so the EOS-03 satellite never made it to orbit.
This exposed some weak spots in the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle program. Cryogenic engines still pose big challenges for ISRO.
PSLV’s reliability took a hit with the EOS-09 mission failure—the first one since 2017. The problem cropped up in the third stage, which surprised clients who saw PSLV as a safe bet.
The LVM3 (once GSLV Mark III) still faces technical hurdles, even with past successes. Engine performance issues have caused delays for some commercial payloads.
ISRO’s deep dives into what went wrong show a few recurring trouble spots:
These failures have a direct impact on commercial clients counting on their satellites reaching orbit.
ISRO keeps limited transparency about commercial mission failures, especially when you compare it to international standards. Usually, the agency just puts out brief statements and skips the detailed technical explanations.
Commercial clients do get confidential failure analysis reports. Still, the public rarely sees much, and that tends to shake industry confidence in ISRO’s accountability.
After recent failures, the agency put enhanced quality control protocols in place. Pre-flight testing now includes extra verification steps for all the most critical components.
Insurance costs for ISRO’s commercial launches have gone up since those failures. International insurers now tack on higher risk premiums to Indian launch services.
ISRO gave its NewSpace India Limited subsidiary the job of handling commercial risk management. This company offers clients failure contingency plans and even replacement launch options.
With SpaceX Falcon 9 in the mix, competition has really ramped up and pushed ISRO to boost reliability. More and more, commercial clients compare ISRO’s failure rates with those of international providers.
ISRO tries to balance commercial launches with flagship missions by sharing infrastructure and sticking to proven tech. The Gaganyaan program sparks tech advances that commercial customers also enjoy, while missions like NISAR build international partnerships and open up new launch opportunities.
The Gaganyaan mission opens up big opportunities for commercial customers through tech spillovers and infrastructure sharing. ISRO’s human spaceflight program sets the bar high for reliability, which directly helps commercial satellite operators—they get access to systems that have been seriously tested.
ISRO plans 7 Gaganyaan and test vehicle launches in 2024-25, at least according to the IN-SPACe launch manifesto. These missions use the same launch pads at SDSC SHAR that commercial customers use. Facility upgrades for crew safety actually make every launch more reliable.
Chandrayaan-2’s precision navigation systems now help commercial missions that need exact orbital placement. The mission’s deep space communication systems also benefit commercial customers launching interplanetary or high Earth orbit satellites.
Key technological transfers include:
Commercial customers get to leverage ISRO’s flagship mission experience without footing the development bill. Private satellite operators tap into proven tech that major space agencies spent years perfecting.
NISAR stands as ISRO’s biggest international project with NASA, showing off capabilities that appeal to commercial customers who want reliable launch partners. The mission needs precise dual-frequency radar deployment, which proves ISRO can handle complex commercial payloads.
By working with NASA, ISRO gets its technical standards validated for international commercial clients. Companies feel more confident launching with systems approved by more than one space agency.
Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) showed ISRO’s interplanetary chops at a price point nobody expected. Now, commercial customers can tap into deep space expertise for things like asteroid mining support or space tourism missions.
NISAR mission benefits for commercial operations:
The mission’s success has started to pull in foreign commercial customers who might’ve only looked at American or European launch providers before. ISRO’s reliability in flagship missions really does boost commercial market confidence and helps expand its customer base.
ISRO’s commercial satellite launch services draw in global clients looking for cost-effective solutions and a track record of reliability. International companies often ask about pricing, vehicle capabilities, booking steps, and what sets India’s space program apart.
ISRO usually does 4-6 commercial satellite launches per year with its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) programs. The agency keeps a launch manifest that stretches 12-18 months ahead.
Commercial clients get launch schedules about 6 months before their launch window. Weather and technical needs can delay things by a few weeks.
ISRO puts Indian government satellites first, but still fits in international commercial payloads. The agency works with global partners to find launch dates that match orbital and mission requirements.
ISRO offers launch services at much lower prices than American and European competitors. The agency charges around $15,000-20,000 per kilogram for Low Earth Orbit missions.
The PSLV has racked up over a 95% success rate across more than 50 missions. That kind of reliability draws in international clients who want dependable launches.
ISRO can launch multiple satellites in one go, which gives a real cost advantage. The agency has put more than 100 foreign satellites into orbit for clients in 20 different countries.
India’s spot on the globe makes for great launch trajectories to sun-synchronous and polar orbits. These are key for Earth observation and comms satellites.
Small satellites under 500 kilograms usually cost $8-12 million for a full PSLV launch. If you need a GSLV for a bigger satellite, expect $25-40 million.
Clients also pay extra for mission integration, testing, and launch campaign support. Those services add about 15-20% to the base price.
ISRO offers rideshare deals for smaller satellites, so you can split the cost. Sharing a launch with others can cut per-satellite expenses by 40-60%.
Insurance and payload prep facilities are separate costs outside of ISRO’s fees. International clients should factor these in when budgeting for the mission.
ISRO has put communication satellites in orbit for telecom companies across Asia, Europe, and South America. These geostationary satellites handle TV broadcasting, internet, and mobile comms.
Earth observation satellites make up a big part of ISRO’s commercial launches. Foreign governments and private firms use them for agriculture, disaster management, and mapping.
The agency has launched constellation satellites for global positioning and navigation. When multiple satellites work together, they give better coverage and accuracy for commercial uses.
International universities and space agencies have also used ISRO to launch scientific research satellites. These missions focus on things like climate change, space weather, and planetary science.
The PSLV can take up to 3,800 kilograms to Low Earth Orbit and 1,750 kilograms to sun-synchronous orbit. Most commercial satellite deployments for Earth observation and comms use this vehicle.
GSLV Mark III handles the heavy stuff, with a 4,000-kilogram capacity to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. It’s used for bigger communication satellites and interplanetary missions.
ISRO’s launch vehicles offer different payload configurations for various satellite sizes and shapes. The agency also provides custom fairing designs for unique requirements.
Both vehicle families can place satellites within 1 kilometer of their target orbit. That kind of precision saves satellite operators fuel during orbital adjustments.
If you’re an international client looking to launch a satellite with ISRO, you’ll need to reach out to Antrix Corporation. That’s ISRO’s commercial marketing arm, and they’re the folks who handle all the contracts and customer interactions.
You’d typically start by sharing your payload specs, what kind of orbit you need, and your preferred launch window. Antrix usually comes back with a detailed cost estimate and checks if your satellite fits their technical requirements—usually within about 30 days.
Clients usually sign launch service agreements about 12 to 24 months before the planned launch. These contracts lay out things like when you’ll need to have your satellite ready, technical reviews, and how the payments will work.
Satellite manufacturers have to meet ISRO’s technical standards and safety rules. ISRO’s team will run a pretty thorough compatibility review before they give the green light for your satellite to join a launch campaign.
