IN-SPACe Opens LVM3 to Private Sector
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has officially invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from the private sector for Technology Transfer (ToT) and end-to-end commercialization of ISRO’s LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-III) โ India’s most powerful indigenous rocket.
Why in News?
IN-SPACe has opened the LVM3 rocket to India’s private space sector by inviting EoIs for Technology Transfer and full commercialization. This marks a major step in India’s space privatisation journey under the Indian Space Policy 2023.
Key Facts for Prelims: About IN-SPACe
- Established in 2020 by a government order (not a parliamentary act)
- An autonomous body under the Department of Space (DoS)
- Functions as a single-window agency to facilitate, promote, and regulate space activities by Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs)
- Distinct from ISRO โ IN-SPACe regulates and promotes; ISRO does R&D
Key Facts for Prelims: About LVM3
- Previously known as GSLV Mk-III
- India’s heaviest and most powerful indigenous launch vehicle
- Type: 3-Stage Launch Vehicle
| Stage | Component | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | S200 (twin strap-on) | Solid Boosters |
| Stage 2 | L110 | Core Liquid Stage |
| Stage 3 | C25 | Cryogenic Upper Stage |
- GTO Payload: 4,000 kg (4 tonnes)
- LEO Payload: 8,000 kg (8 tonnes)
- Key Missions: Chandrayaan-3 (2023), OneWeb/Eutelsat commercial satellite launches
Static/Exam Links: Indian Space Policy 2023
- Clearly delineates roles: ISRO (R&D + national security), IN-SPACe (regulator + promoter for private sector), NSIL (commercial arm for ISRO technologies), DoS (policy oversight)
- NSIL โ IN-SPACe: NSIL commercialises ISRO tech; IN-SPACe promotes and regulates private entities
Quick Revision Table
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body | IN-SPACe |
| Under | Department of Space (DoS) |
| LVM3 Former Name | GSLV Mk-III |
| Stage 1 | Solid Boosters (S200) |
| Stage 2 | Core Liquid Stage (L110) |
| Stage 3 | Cryogenic Upper Stage (C25) |
| GTO Payload | 4,000 kg |
| LEO Payload | 8,000 kg |
Trap / Confusing Points
| โ Common Trap | โ Correct Fact |
|---|---|
| IN-SPACe is a part of ISRO | IN-SPACe is an autonomous body under DoS, separate from ISRO |
| LVM3 uses only liquid stages | Stage 1 uses solid boosters (S200); liquid is only Stage 2 |
| LVM3 = GSLV Mk-II | LVM3 was formerly GSLV Mk-III, not Mk-II |
| NSIL promotes private sector | NSIL commercialises ISRO tech; IN-SPACe promotes/regulates private entities |
5 Practice MCQs
1. Which body invited EoIs for commercialisation of LVM3?
a. ISRO
b. NSIL
c. IN-SPACe
d. DoS directly
Ans: C
IN-SPACe is the authorised single-window agency to promote private participation in India’s space sector, including ToT for LVM3.
2. LVM3 was formerly known as:
a. GSLV Mk-I
b. PSLV-XL
c. GSLV Mk-II
d. GSLV Mk-III
Ans: D
LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-III) was renamed from GSLV Mk-III to emphasise its distinct vehicle class.
3. Which stage of LVM3 uses cryogenic technology?
a. Stage 1 (S200)
b. Stage 2 (L110)
c. Stage 3 (C25)
d. All three stages
Ans: C
C25 is the cryogenic upper stage using liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. India developed this indigenously after technology denial.
4. What is LVM3’s payload capacity to LEO?
a. 4 tonnes
b. 6 tonnes
c. 8 tonnes
d. 10 tonnes
Ans: C
LVM3 can carry up to 8,000 kg (8 tonnes) to Low Earth Orbit and 4,000 kg to GTO.
5. IN-SPACe was established under which provision?
a. Space Activities Bill 2017
b. Indian Space Policy 2023
c. ISRO Act 1969
d. Government executive order in 2020
Ans: D
IN-SPACe was set up in 2020 by a government order, not a parliamentary act. The Indian Space Policy 2023 further defined its role.
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