Moneycontrol Pro Panorama | Chandrayaan-3: A Make in India success story

Chandrayaan-3 may be a small soft landing for ISRO, but it is a giant leap for Indian enterprise.

With immense anticipation and national pride, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) eagerly awaits the Chandrayaan-3 lander Vikram's attempt at a soft landing on the Moon. On display is the expertise of the national space agency and the collaborative efforts of over 400 private companies that are integral to the vendor system.

While ISRO leads the way in managing the project from conception to completion, it equally deserves recognition for fostering a network of vendors, encompassing both public and private sector participants.

For the present mission, ISRO has sourced the launch vehicle booster segments and subsystems from Larsen & Toubro, batteries from Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), electronic power modules and test and evaluation system from Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (KELTRON) and mission components manufactured from Walchand Industries.

Godrej & Boyce has contributed critical components like liquid propulsion engines, satellite thrusters and control module components. Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) provided the critical components to National Aerospace Laboratories, where the launch vehicle was tested.

The mission also saw smaller and niche players contributing to the project. Ananth Technologies contributed to the launch vehicle and avionics packages. Centum Electronics has provided more than 200 mission-critical modules and subsystems while MTAR Technologies has chipped in with parts for the lander's propulsion system and the rover's navigation system.

Himson Industrial Ceramic supplied components to sustain extreme temperatures while Sri Venkateswara Aerospace built Vikram's legs and the rover's chassis. Midhani provided alloys for the lander's heat shield and the rover's wheels and Paras Defence and Space Technologies contributed to the navigation system.

Irrespective of the outcome of the landing, Chandrayaan-3 is a success story of Indian enterprise. For years to come, employees of the vendor companies will discuss their role in the first vehicle sent to the South Pole of the Moon at dinner tables.

While the order size might not move the needle for many companies, they will monetise their expertise over the years. Chandrayaan-3 may be a small soft landing for ISRO, but it is a giant leap for Indian enterprise.

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