ISRO to Build Liquid Methane Plant at Mahendragiri for Next-Gen NGLV Rockets.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is planning a liquid methane production facility at its Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, to support its upcoming Next General Launch Vehicle (NGLV) program. The new launch vehicle will use large liquid-rocket propulsion systems powered by a combination of liquid methane and liquid oxygen.

Designed to meet the high payload requirements of future space missions under India’s National Space Vision, the NGLV introduces recovery and reuse features in its first stage—marking a shift from previous expendable launch vehicles that were intended for single use.

The ISRO Propulsion Complex has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) inviting suitable parties for the design, manufacture, testing, supply, erection, and commissioning of the liquid methane plant. The facility will enable static tests and launch operations, with additional infrastructure planned across other ISRO centres.

This development underscores ISRO’s focus on next-generation reusable launch technologies and enhanced propulsion capabilities.