Gautam Adani's Big Move: Competing with SpaceX in New Industry

Indian business tycoon Gautam Adani is making a bold move into the space sector. The Adani Group is vying to become a major player in India’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) production, positioning itself to rival industry giants like Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Adani Group Among Top Contenders

The Adani Group is one of three finalists shortlisted to manufacture India’s SSLV, alongside state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). If they win, Adani Defense Systems, in partnership with its subsidiary Alpha Design Technologies, could spearhead SSLV production in India, significantly boosting the country’s private space capabilities.

What Is SSLV?

The SSLV, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is a cost-effective rocket designed to launch small satellites. It can carry payloads up to 500 kg to low-Earth orbit (LEO). With rising global demand for small satellite launches, the SSLV holds great commercial potential.

India’s Privatization Push

After the successful launch of the SSLV in 2023, the Indian government decided to transfer its production and technology to private enterprises. This shift is part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s commercial space sector and compete with global space leaders like SpaceX.

The SSLV production contract attracted bids from 20 companies, with the winning bidder expected to pay ISRO around Rs 3 billion for access to the manufacturing process, design blueprints, and quality assurance training. The 24-month contract also includes technical support and the execution of two successful SSLV launches.

Game-Changer for India’s Space Industry?

Industry experts view this privatization initiative as a potential game-changer for India’s space sector. By engaging private companies like the Adani Group, the country hopes to carve out a larger share of the global satellite launch market, currently dominated by SpaceX.

This move marks a major step towards making India a key player in the competitive global space industry.