New Delhi: The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have jointly built the PSLV rocket, which will launch the Oceansat satellite early next year. Next year the consortium might have two or three launches.

Speaking to PTI on the sidelines of the India International Space Conclave organised by the Indian Space Association, A T Ramchandani, Senior Vice President and Head, L&T Precision Engineering and Systems, said, "We have started delivering the PSLV hardware. We are hopeful that next year we will probably have two or three launches.” Notably, he recently took over as Chairman of the Indian Space Association.

ISRO signed a pact with the consortium in 2022

In 2022, ISRO signed an agreement with the consortium of HAL-L&T for the manufacture of five PSLV-XL rockets. The agreement was part of efforts to hive off production of proven rockets to the industry.

Noting that the Indian space agency was keen to step back from the production of PSLV and encourage the industry, Ramchandani added, "ISRO feels that the demand for satellites is high. And, we may end up doing another ten launches after these five."

‘A lot of companies reaching out to us’

He added that while the consortium did face some issues during the manufacturing of some components, ISRO did come forward to help. "A lot of companies are now reaching out to us. People are realizing that we are part of the game. Today, we have also not stepped out, reaching out to customers. But, I suppose that is the next step after a couple of launches," Ramchandani said.