India Set for First Privately Built PSLV Launch by Early 2026

The first flight of a privately built PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is expected to take place early next year, marking a historic shift in India’s space sector as private industry partners take over manufacturing of the country’s most reliable launch vehicle. According to A.T. Ramchandani, Senior Vice President and Head of L&T Precision Engineering & Systems, hardware deliveries for the rocket have already begun, and preparations are underway for at least two or three launches in 2026. However, the launch schedule will depend on payload readiness and available launch slots within ISRO’s already packed launch calendar.

For the inaugural mission, the PSLV-N1 rocket will carry the EOS-10 Earth observation satellite. Originally, this mission was slated for the first quarter of 2025. According to sources, one private PSLV mission could have taken place within the current year itself, but the timeline slipped because the satellite meant to fly on the rocket was not ready in time. Ramchandani acknowledged that the team faced technical challenges with certain components and subsystems but noted that ISRO assisted them thoroughly, enabling them to prepare for the launch confidently.

The push for privately built PSLV rockets began after ISRO opened the space sector to private players and initiated the commercialisation of the PSLV in 2022. This made PSLV the first Indian launch vehicle to be transferred to industry for end-to-end production, representing a major milestone in India’s growing private space ecosystem. As part of this transition, ISRO awarded a contract to a consortium led by HAL and L&T to manufacture five PSLV launch vehicles. Ramchandani indicated that demand for PSLV missions appears strong, and ISRO may require an additional ten rockets beyond the initial five-rocket contract.

Another significant development is the gradual shift in responsibility from ISRO to industry partners. While ISRO currently provides payloads for all PSLV missions, Ramchandani noted that the consortium might eventually market launches independently, build its own clientele, and schedule flights autonomously. This would mirror commercial launch models seen globally, where private companies conduct launches for both domestic and international customers. Such a transition would position Indian industry as a competitive player in the global small and medium satellite launch market.

Ramchandani clarified that this approach differs from the model used for the SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle), where ISRO immediately transferred full responsibility for production and commercial operations to the companies involved. In the PSLV model, the private consortium will gradually gain commercial independence, benefiting from ISRO’s ongoing support during the transition period. SSLV technology has already been transferred to HAL, which is also part of the PSLV consortium, strengthening India’s overall private-sector-led launch capabilities.

Interest in the privately built PSLV is growing rapidly. Ramchandani revealed that several satellite manufacturers—particularly those working in communication and Earth observation—have approached the consortium. These companies require launch vehicles capable of carrying heavier satellites that exceed the payload capacity of smaller rockets like SSLV or privately developed vehicles such as Vikram-I. The PSLV, long regarded as ISRO’s workhorse for its reliability and versatility, remains a preferred option for medium-weight satellite deployment.

Overall, the privately manufactured PSLV initiative signals a transformative moment for India’s space industry, paving the way for greater commercial participation, increased launch capacity, and stronger global competitiveness in the satellite launch market.