NEW DELHI: The Indian Space Research Organzation (ISRO) is considering the possibility of involving Indian industry in a greater role to meet the increased national requirements and possible commercial demand for launch services.

Discussions are being held with the Indian industry towards formulating a plan & strategy to enhance the capacity and capability of managing the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) programme on an end to end basis.

Space Minister Jitendra Singh told Parliament today that ISRO has been pursuing a conscious approach of building up and nurturing the industrial capabilities in the country to maximally support the Indian Space Programme.

Through appropriate transfer of technology and hand-holding, ISRO is making focused efforts to consolidate and enhance participation of Indian industries for manufacturing and production of space related hardware such as rocket engine & stages, propellant tanks, spacecraft structures, solar panels, thermal control systems, electronic packages etc., required for satellites and launch vehicles.

A provision exists for private players to operate communication satellites on their own in the country through an established mechanism called Committee for Authorising the establishment and operations of Indian Satellite Systems (CAISS).