India Set for First Privately Built PSLV Launch by Early 2026

The first privately built PSLV rocket is expected to launch early next year, with two or three missions planned in 2026. L&T’s A.T. Ramchandani said hardware delivery has begun, though delays occurred because the EOS-10 satellite for the first PSLV-N1 mission was not ready. ISRO commercialised PSLV production in 2022, awarding HAL–L&T a contract to build five rockets, with potential for ten more. While ISRO currently provides payloads, the consortium may later market launches independently. Companies needing heavier-lift vehicles, especially for communication and earth-observation satellites, have already shown interest. ISRO also supported the team in resolving technical challenges.