This Rs 18,000-crore firm you've never heard of powers every Indian space launch

When India sends a rocket soaring into the sky, the spotlight falls on the scientists counting down at mission control, the launch vehicle climbing through the clouds and the satellite heading towards orbit.

But long before ignition, another operation demands expert precision; without it, liftoff becomes impossible. It involves storing, handling, and supplying the extremely cold gases and specialised fluids that make a launch possible.

Behind this less visible side of India's space programme is INOX India, a cryogenic engineering company headquartered in Gujarat whose equipment has supported critical launch infrastructure at Sriharikota.

Valued by the stock market at around Rs 18,700 crore as of October 14, the listed company operates largely away from the public gaze, manufacturing systems that help power India's ambitions in space, energy and advanced scientific research.

"We supplied all the ground equipment for Isro's second launch pad," Deepak Acharya, Chief Executive Officer of INOX India, told India Today.in in an exclusive conversation.

The company's work on the second launch pad dates back to 1999 and 2004, when it supplied nitrogen equipment, storage tanks, hydrogen-handling equipment, piping skids, systems for the umbilical tower and other process equipment.

These are not the components that typically feature in launch photographs, but they form part of the ground infrastructure needed to prepare rockets for liftoff.

THE INVISIBLE MACHINERY BEHIND A LAUNCH

INOX India's space business sits within its cryoscientific division, which works on complex projects requiring specialised equipment to handle materials at extremely low temperatures.

Cryogenic systems are critical to applications involving liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen and other gases used across space and scientific infrastructure.

These materials must be stored, transferred and handled under carefully controlled conditions, making insulation, precision engineering, vacuum technology and stringent testing essential.

Acharya said the company tests its equipment thoroughly at its manufacturing facility before dispatch. These factory acceptance tests can be witnessed by third-party agencies and scientists. Equipment is then tested again after reaching the site and undergoing integration with other systems.

Reliability is central to such applications. Acharya explained that critical systems can incorporate redundancy, allowing backup components to take over if a component fails.

The company's experience is now extending beyond established launch infrastructure. It is working with private aerospace companies in the United States and supporting Indian space startups, including Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos and Ethereal Aerospace.

For startups like Skyroot Aerospace, Agniklul Cosmos, which are building rockets and preparing to scale their operations, access to specialised manufacturing capabilities can be as important as developing the launch vehicle itself.

FROM SRIHARIKOTA TO INDIA'S NEXT LAUNCH PAD

India's space ambitions are expanding, with the government seeking to increase launch frequency and develop additional infrastructure.

The proposed third launch pad at Sriharikota is expected to support next-generation launch vehicles and strengthen the country's launch capacity.

INOX India has submitted an Expression of Interest for the LVM3 programme, Acharya said, signalling its interest in participating in the evolving private-sector ecosystem.

The challenge is not simply building more rockets. Faster launch turnaround will also require reliable supplies of industrial gases, storage systems, transportation equipment and ground-support infrastructure.

Acharya believes private manufacturers can help shorten preparation cycles by supplying equipment and supporting rocket assembly at scale. He said the company is also responding to requirements linked to government programmes such as Gaganyaan and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station.