HAL gets full access to Isro's SSLV rocket: What it means for Indian space program

India Today

21-06-2025

In a big move for India's space sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been awarded the full contract to manufacture, market, and launch the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), following a first-of-its-kind technology transfer from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).This strategic decision is set to turbocharge India's ambitions in the commercial space launch market, opening the doors to greater private sector participation and innovation.advertisementThe SSLV, designed for launching micro and nano satellites on demand, is uniquely positioned to serve the rapidly expanding small satellite market. With global demand for affordable, flexible, and timely satellite launches at an all-time high, India's entry into this market with a fully privatized vehicle is both timely and visionary.
The Chairman and Managing Director of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Radhakrishnan Durairaj, highlighted the commercial promise, stating, 'The market is peaking up. I would expect 6-8 SSLV launches per year, and this can be ramped up to 10 in the coming years.'The SSLV's ability to offer launch-on-demand services is expected to attract both domestic and international customers, providing a reliable and cost-effective alternative for deploying small satellites.Private Participation and Infrastructure ExpansionDr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, emphasised the government's vision for a robust, private-led space sector. 'Our plan is for growth of the space sector with private participation. We are looking at the small satellite launch market and SSLV is fully proven,' he said.advertisementHe also noted that private companies like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos are preparing for their own orbital launches, signaling a healthy competitive environment.India is also investing in infrastructure to support this growth, with a third launch pad and a dedicated manufacturing unit being set up in Tamil Nadu. 'We are putting infrastructure in place to ensure small satellite launch becomes attractive globally,' Goenka added.The Road Ahead: Competition, ReliabilityIndia's goal is to achieve a launch every two weeks, with market share determined by performance, reliability, and cost competitiveness.As more private players enter the field, the onus will be on companies to prove the reliability of their rockets and the affordability of their services.This landmark technology transfer not only cements HAL's role in India's space future but also signals a new era where public-private collaboration will drive innovation, efficiency, and global competitiveness in space.A Overworked HALHAL, one of India's oldest and largest aerospace manufacturers, is already managing a massive order book, including 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters, 156 Prachand helicopters, and 240 Sukhoi engines, among other projects.The company's backlog is projected to reach seven years, with production lines stretched across multiple locations. While HAL has ramped up capacity — setting up new units and collaborating with private firms to meet targets — its history is marked by delays, particularly in the delivery of complex platforms like the Tejas fighter jets.advertisementDespite recent efforts to streamline manufacturing and supply chains, industry observers have often questioned HAL's ability to deliver quickly and at scale.The company's leadership acknowledges these concerns but insists that new capacity planning and proactive investments will ensure timely execution.Despite these challenges, HAL's partnership with ISRO is foundational to India's space achievements. The company has played a pivotal role in manufacturing key components for ISRO's launch vehicles and satellites, contributing to the success of missions like Chandrayaan and the development of the Gaganyaan Mission.With SSLV now under its full control, HAL is set to become a major player in the booming small satellite launch market as India eyes a big piece of the pie. Must Watch