Former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), K. Sivan, has revealed that more than 140 private firms have shown interest in utilizing ISRO’s launch vehicles to send their satellites into space for commercial purposes. Speaking at an event, Sivan mentioned that the success of the Chandrayaan 3 mission and progress in the ‘Gaganyaan’ program have sparked the interest of these companies.

ISRO has already started launching private satellites into predetermined orbits, but the agency ensures that a thorough study is conducted to understand the nature and objectives of these satellites. National security remains a top priority for ISRO, even as they explore this new business opportunity that could generate significant revenue.

In addition to this development, ISRO is making progress on establishing a second satellite launch port at Kulasekarapattinam. The State government has already acquired 2,000 acres of the required 2,400 acres for the project, and the remaining 400 acres will be acquired by November-end. The establishment of this spaceport, with an investment of ₹700 crore, is expected to have a positive economic impact on the region. It is predicted that a few hundred ancillary units will be set up, leading to the creation of new jobs in high-precision spare production for the launch facility. This will further contribute to the growth of the area, similar to the ripple effect seen with start-ups across the country.

This development showcases the increasing interest and reliance on ISRO’s capabilities not only by the government but also by private entities. With the potential for commercial satellite launches and the establishment of the second launch port, ISRO is poised to play a significant role in the space sector.