ISRO’s New Power Plant: A Major Step for the NGLV Program

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to set up a liquid methane production facility at the ISRO Propulsion Complex to support its upcoming Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) programme. The new rocket will be powered by advanced liquid propulsion systems using a combination of liquid methane and liquid oxygen.

Envisioned to meet the higher payload demands of future missions under India’s National Space Vision, the NGLV will incorporate recovery and reuse capabilities in its first stage. This marks a significant transition from earlier expendable launch vehicles that were designed for single-use missions.

The ISRO Propulsion Complex has floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) seeking qualified entities for the design, manufacture, testing, supply, installation, and commissioning of the liquid methane plant. The facility will support static engine tests as well as launch operations, with complementary infrastructure also planned at other ISRO centres.

The initiative highlights ISRO’s push toward next-generation reusable launch systems and strengthened propulsion technologies to enhance mission efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.