ISRO vs SpaceX: Who Wins the Space Launch Cost War?

• ISRO's LVM3 successfully launched an American company's 6100 kg 'Blue Bird' satellite, reigniting the cost-effectiveness debate with SpaceX.
• While ISRO's LVM3 launch cost (400-450 crore INR) is lower than SpaceX's Falcon 9 (550-560 crore INR), Falcon 9's higher capacity makes its 'cost per kg' cheaper.
• SpaceX's key advantage is rocket reusability, significantly reducing costs, a feature ISRO is actively developing with RLV and NGLV projects like 'Soorya'.
• Global companies choose ISRO for its 100% reliability, slot availability, desire to avoid monopoly, and dedicated mission options, despite SpaceX's lower 'cost per kg'.
• India's space sector is expanding with ISRO's future reusable rockets and private players like Skyroot and Agnikul, aiming to transform the global market.

Why It Matters: ISRO offers reliability and value, challenging SpaceX's cost leadership with future reusable rockets and growing market presence.