Gautam Adani to Challenge Elon Musk: Adani Group Shortlisted for Major Project

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani is making a bold move into the global space industry. The Adani Group is now in the race to manufacture India’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), positioning itself to compete with major players in the satellite launch market, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Adani Group Joins the SSLV Race

Adani Group has made it to the final shortlist of three contenders to produce India’s SSLV. Alongside Adani, two state-owned entities—Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)—are also vying for the contract. Should the deal be awarded to Adani, the conglomerate, in collaboration with its subsidiary Alpha Design Technologies, will be tasked with the domestic manufacturing of these next-generation launch vehicles.

A Strategic Expansion for Adani Group

Adani Group’s entry into the space sector would represent a significant diversification for the conglomerate. With a strong foothold in defense manufacturing through Adani Defense Systems, this venture allows the group to explore the lucrative satellite launch market. This move also strengthens India’s position in the global space arena, as the country continues to expand its capabilities in space exploration and technology.

Understanding SSLV

The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is an innovative, cost-effective rocket developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to cater to the increasing demand for small satellite launches worldwide. With a payload capacity of up to 500 kg to low-Earth orbit (LEO), the SSLV is designed for applications such as communication, weather forecasting, Earth observation, and more.

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