Why Isro is stepping back and handing its new spaceport to private sector

IN-SPACe has invited private Indian companies to operate Isro's new spaceport in Thoothukudi. The move fits a policy shift that lets industry drive commercial launches while Isro retains safety oversight.The spaceport is being developed as a dedicated launch complex for small launch vehicles. (Photo: In-SPACe)As India accelerates its push to become a major global space power, the government has taken a big decision to hand over the operations of Isro's upcoming second spaceport to a private company.The move, announced under the Indian Space Policy 2023 framework, has sparked questions about why a strategic national asset is being entrusted to the private sector.The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), through Isro, has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from eligible Indian private entities to take over the operation and management of the Space Launch Complex (SLC), located in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district. SSLV during its maiden launch. (Photo: Isro) WHY IS Isro'S SPACEPORT BEING GIVEN TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR?According to Rajeev Jyoti, Director Technical and Distinguished Scientist at the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the answer lies in the very purpose for which the new facility is being built. "The rationale is that this launchport is primarily meant to serve private space companies," Jyoti told IndiaToday. in.He explained that the launch operators using the facility are expected to include startups and private launch providers such as Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which has already been handed over the newly developed Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Since the launch complex is being designed largely for rockets developed and operated by private players, Jyoti said it is logical that the launchport itself should eventually be operated by a private company.The government's vision is also centred on increasing India's launch frequency. The target for the new facility is ambitious: a launch roughly every two weeks, translating to nearly 24 launches annually."This is a very large facility, spread over more than 2,000 acres," Jyoti said. The campus will include launch vehicle integration facilities, tracking infrastructure, radars and other systems required to support launch operations.However, the selected company will not be responsible for building rockets. Instead, it will manage the infrastructure, services and day-to-day operations of the spaceport."We need a company capable of managing such a vast and complex facility properly," Jyoti said, adding that IN-SPACe has built safeguards into the selection process to ensure only firms with adequate resources and operational capabilities qualify.The spaceport itself is expected to be ready by the end of the current financial year. Following the Expression of Interest (EOI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) processes, IN-SPACe expects to identify a private operator and complete the handover within a year.The transition, however, will not be immediate.Jyoti emphasised that safety and regulatory oversight will continue to remain under close supervision. "There are specific safety guidelines and compliance requirements that have to be followed. IN-SPACe will continue to play a role in monitoring operations and ensuring all guidelines are followed," he said.The private operator will also undergo an initial training and hand-holding phase during the first launches.According to the senior IN-SPACe official, the objective is to gradually build confidence in the operator's capabilities while ensuring that all activities meet Isro's safety standards.The move marks another significant step in India's strategy to shift operational responsibilities to industry, allowing Isro to focus on advanced research, deep-space exploration and next-generation missions while private companies drive commercial launch growth.- EndsPublished By: Sibu Kumar TripathiPublished On: Aug 14, 2026 11:33 IST