First PSLV made by private firms to be unveiled in 2026, says ISRO Chairman
About PSLV
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is India’s 3rd generation launch vehicle.
1st successful launch in October 1994 by ISRO
Stages of PSLV – It is a 4 staged launch vehicle
Orbits in which PSLV Places Satellites
o1750 kg of payload to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit
o1,425 kg in sub Geo-Synchronous Transfer Orbit
Notable Launches
oChandrayaan-1/PSLV-C11 (2008): India’s 1st mission to the Moon.
oMars Orbiter Mission/PSLV-25 (2013): India became the 1st Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the 1st in the world to do so in its maiden attempt.
oAstrosat/PSLV-C30 (2015): India’s 1st dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory.
oIRNSS (2013-18): PSLV launched all seven satellites of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), later named NavIC.
oPSLV-C58 / XPoSat (2024): India’s 1st dedicated polarimetry mission to study cosmic X-rays.
Vehicle Variants: PSLV-CA, PSLV- DL, PSLV-QL, PSLV-XL
Significance:
oKnown as ISRO’s “workhorse” due to its versatility and high success rate.
oThe PSLV has failed thrice in its history.
o1st Indian launch vehicle equipped with liquid stages
Private Participation in Space sector:
The Indian Space Policy, 2023 allows private players to undertake end-to-end space activities — from satellite manufacturing to launch and operations.
Establishment of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) acts as a single-window agency to promote, handhold, and authorize private space activities.
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a public sector enterprise under the Department of Space, commercializes ISRO’s technology and launch services, fostering industry collaboration and private production of satellites and launch vehicles.
FDI up to 100% is permitted in satellite establishment and operations with government approval
Over 190+ space start-ups (as of 2025) such as Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, and Dhruva Space are working on launch vehicles, satellites, and space-based data solutions, driving innovation and employment.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
