In recent months, Bengaluru-based Pixxel and Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space used SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket for launching a total of four satellites. That raised an important question: Why did they not choose ISRO for these launches?
At first glance, ISRO seems like the obvious choice—India’s trusted space agency, famous for cost-effective and reliable missions. But when it comes to commercial startups and private companies, especially those building or operating satellites, the needs are slightly different: timely launches, predictable schedules, cost efficiency, reliability, and easy access. And this is where SpaceX’s Falcon 9 comes into the picture.
Why Falcon 9 Appeals to Startups
SpaceX uses the Falcon 9, one of the world’s most advanced reusable rockets. Its reusability makes launches cheaper, faster, and more frequent. For a startup that needs to put its satellite in orbit quickly to start generating revenue, waiting for months isn’t an option.Through its Rideshare Program, SpaceX offers a unique service: small startups and universities can share a launch with others at transparent, affordable rates. They even provide online booking portals, making access as simple as buying a ticket. With Falcon 9 launching every 90 days or so, startups can plan ahead with confidence.By contrast, ISRO only manages 5–7 launches a year, most of which are prioritized for national missions. That makes it harder for private companies to secure a timely launch slot.
The Cost Factor: SpaceX vs ISRO
Price plays a huge role in this equation.SpaceX Rideshare Program: For a 500 kg satellite to sun-synchronous orbit, the cost is around $2.75 million (~$5,500 per kg).ISRO’s SSLV/PSLV: The same 500 kg satellite typically costs $4.2–$5 million (~$8,400–$10,000 per kg).
Here’s where the real difference comes in:
A PSLV launch costs about $20 million, because it is designed to carry 1500–1700 kg or more to orbit. Even if a startup only needs 500 kg, they may still end up paying close to the full price, since PSLV is not designed like a “shared taxi.”In contrast, Falcon 9 rideshares mount dozens of satellites together, splitting costs among many customers. That’s why per-kg pricing with SpaceX is lower, and startups don’t have to bear the burden of an entire rocket.
Key Insights
SpaceX launch costs are currently lower per kilogram than ISRO for similar payload categories, especially for larger commercial launches and satellite deployments.With PSLV, startups often pay more because it is optimized for bigger payloads.With Falcon 9 rideshare, costs are split across many customers, bringing per-kg pricing down.For medium-to-large satellites, SpaceX is 3–5 times cheaper per kg thanks to reusability and economies of scale.ISRO still remains competitive for some small, dedicated missions, but not for startups racing against time and cost constraints.
Launch Cadence & Predictability
SpaceX’s regular Transporter missions are like a bus service—you know it’s coming, you know the ticket price, and you can hop on when ready. This predictability lets startups plan product launches, revenue timelines, and investor commitments.ISRO, on the other hand, runs more like a charter service—reliable and precise, but less frequent and harder to book on short notice. Most slots are taken by government payloads, leaving private firms with fewer windows of opportunity.
Reusability: The SpaceX Edge
Another big difference is technology.SpaceX reuses its Falcon 9 boosters multiple times, lowering costs and maintaining high launch frequency.ISRO rockets like PSLV and GSLV are mostly expendable, meaning they’re used only once. While India is developing reusable systems (like RLV/Pushpak), they aren’t yet part of regular commercial launches.This gap directly affects both pricing and availability.
Final Word
Indian private firms aren’t ignoring ISRO because of quality or trust issues—it’s mainly about timing, cost, and ease of access.SpaceX currently delivers cheaper rates, more frequent launches, and faster turnaround for commercial players by splitting costs, reusing rockets, and keeping per-kg pricing low.ISRO still shines in reliability, precision, and engineering excellence, but until it adopts reusability and increases launch cadence, startups will continue picking Falcon 9 as the faster and cheaper bus to space.