HAL gets SSLV tech in Rs 511 crore deal
Bengaluru, June 20 (UNI) In a landmark move to bolster India's commercial space ambitions, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has formally transferred the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to aerospace and defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) under a Rs 511 crore agreement through a competitive bidding process.
The deal marks the first time an Indian industry entity has been entrusted with the complete end-to-end production and commercialisation of a launch vehicle — a development hailed by Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) Chairman Dr Pawan Goenka as a "pivotal moment" in India's space sector reforms.
The transfer agreement, signed between HAL, ISRO, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), and IN-SPACe, includes extensive handholding and training of HAL personnel by ISRO teams at both ISRO and HAL facilities. The roadmap envisages the realisation and launch of two SSLV missions over the next two years.
"This is not merely a technology handover — it is a declaration that India is ready to democratise space access. HAL's successful bid reflects a high level of technical preparedness and capacity to absorb complex launch vehicle technology," Dr Goenka said.
The SSLV, developed by ISRO, is a cost-effective launch vehicle designed to carry payloads of up to 500 kg into low-Earth orbit. It is particularly aimed at catering to the growing demand for small satellite launches, both domestically and globally.
HAL emerged as the top bidder among three shortlisted contenders. The other two bids were led by Alpha Design Technologies (in consortium with Agnikul Cosmos and Walchand Industries Ltd) and Bharat Dynamics Ltd (in consortium with Skyroot Aerospace, Keltron and BHEL). The selection followed a rigorous eligibility and evaluation process conducted by IN-SPACe.
According to Dr Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical Directorate), IN-SPACe, "All three bids were technically competent. HAL's proposal stood out in its comprehensiveness and readiness. ISRO will provide rigorous handholding to ensure seamless transition and mission success."
NSIL Chairman and MD Radhakrishnan Durairaj said India could see up to a dozen SSLV launches annually in the near future. 'This is a major leap for Indian industry in realising indigenous launch vehicles for global clientele,' he noted.
HAL CMD D K Sunil expressed confidence that the partnership with ISRO and IN-SPACe would lead to the establishment of a robust ecosystem for SSLV production and services. "This opportunity will enable HAL to fully own and operate SSLV launches, meeting global launch-on-demand requirements," he said.
The development underscores the government's push to privatise and expand the space sector through public-private partnerships, targeting a projected $44 billion space economy by 2033.
The SSLV transfer follows HAL's ongoing partnership with L&T for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) manufacturing and comes amid increased activity in India's launch sector, including the emergence of private players like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos.
"This handover is a demonstration of intent — to make India not just a launchpad, but a global hub for small satellite launches," the government said in a statement.
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