For the first time, firms outside of ISRO will develop a launch vehicle from scratch under a PSLV contract. Two consortia and a firm, including an Adani-led group and L&T, are competing in this race.

Rumour has it that these three entities responded to an RFP (Request for Proposal) issued by NSIL (New Space India Limited) percent on July 30 by submitting bids.

NSIL was originally intended to be ISRO's commercial arm, but it was later tasked with manufacturing launch vehicles, owning satellites, and other tasks.

NSIL issued an expression of interest (EoI) for five PSLVs in August 2019, to which five organizations responded. Then, in December 2020, a RFP was released for the same.

The two group entities are a consortium of HAL and L&T and another comprising Adani-Alpha Design, BEL, and BEML, while BHEL has bid as a standalone entity.

Despite ISRO's close collaboration with the industry, this is the first time a PSLV would be developed entirely by the industry.

The PSLV took to the skies for the first time in September 1993, and has since performed more than 50 launch flights. NSIL expects to invest roughly Rs 10,000 crore over the next five years, after its mandate was broadened to include owning and operating capital-intensive assets such as satellites and launch vehicles.

It’s heard that the contract might be signed by the end of the year. A licensed producer can be the chosen entity.

Despite ISRO's cautious collaboration with the industry, this is the first time a PSLV may be built entirely by the industry.

This contract, according to the Department of Space, will help the Make-in-India initiative by allowing ISRO to launch additional satellites each year.

Earlier ISRO had a virtual meeting with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) as part of its goal to expand international ties. Indicating India’s and Italy’s interest in investigating possibilities in earth monitoring, space research, robotics, and human exploration.

After meeting with an ISRO team led by Sivan, the Minister and his colleagues committed to work together to improve bilateral space cooperation and push it to the next level.

Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister in charge of the Department of Space, also had a virtual meeting with Pontes and officials from the Brazilian space agency.

Brazil is alleged to have asked India for help in procuring materials and systems for its launch vehicle program.