India to Share PSLV Technology With Startups

India plans to transfer Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle technology to private companies through the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, or IN-SPACe, as part of the country’s private space sector framework. The initiative covers eligibility rules, support from the Indian Space Research Organisation, and commercial use of launch vehicle technology in the domestic space industry.

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, or PSLV, is an Indian launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation for placing satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. The PSLV has been used for satellite launches for Indian and foreign customers and is one of India’s best-known launch systems.

Eligibility and Transfer Conditions

Companies eligible for PSLV technology transfer must be majority-owned and controlled by Indians. A company, or at least one consortium member, must have at least five years of experience in the space or aerospace domain. Eligible applicants must also have an annual turnover above ₹400 crore for any three of the last five years, or a valuation of at least ₹1,000 crore. IN-SPACe will provide infrastructural and hand-holding support from ISRO for 30 months, or until the selected party realises and launches two PSLV vehicles. The expression of interest process is designed for private participation in rocket production and launch services.

Indian Space Sector and Private Participation

The Indian space sector was opened to private participation in 2019 under the Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This policy change led to the growth of space-related startups in areas such as launch vehicles, satellite services, Earth observation, and navigation technologies. IN-SPACe is the single-window nodal agency for authorisation and promotion of private space activities in India. NewSpace India Limited, or NSIL, is the commercial arm responsible for commercialising space technologies and platforms developed through public expenditure.

Important Facts for Exams

• IN-SPACe stands for Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre.
• NSIL stands for NewSpace India Limited.
• The Technology Adoption Fund is a scheme linked to technology development in the space sector.
• PSLV is widely associated with India’s satellite launch capability in polar and sun-synchronous orbits.

Technology Adoption Fund and Startups

As of June 11, 2026, IN-SPACe selected Astrobase Space Technologies, SatSure Analytics India, and TM2SPACE Technologies under its Technology Adoption Fund scheme. The selected startups are working on advanced propulsion, Earth observation artificial intelligence, and satellite navigation technologies. NSIL has executed more than 100 technology transfer agreements since 2020. The agency operates under the framework of commercialisation of space technologies developed with public funds.