ISRO's LVM3 vs SpaceX Falcon 9: Can India Win Space Cost War?

• ISRO's 'Bahubali' LVM3 successfully launched a 6,100kg US satellite, reigniting the cost debate with SpaceX's Falcon 9.
• LVM3's mission cost (Rs 400-450 crore) is lower than Falcon 9's ($6.7M / Rs 550-560 crore) at first glance.
• Falcon 9's reusability and higher payload capacity (22.8 tonnes vs LVM3's 8-10 tonnes) make its 'cost per kg' cheaper ($2,700-3,000).
• ISRO is developing reusable vehicles (RLV, NGLV, 'Surya') to compete on reusability and improve economics.
• Customers choose ISRO for LVM3's 100% success rate, availability, strategic diversification, and dedicated launch options.

Why It Matters: While SpaceX leads on 'cost per kg' due to reusability, ISRO attracts clients with reliability and availability.