Latest news with #SSLVs
The Hindu
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Indian private sector in ‘developing' stage: Jitendra Singh
India's private sector was still in a developing stage and would need some time to acquire the 'acumen' to make space vehicles or have biotechnology start-ups grow large enough to invite interest from the public markets, Minister for Science, Space and Atomic Energy Dr. Jitendra Singh said at a press conference on Monday (June 23, 2025). 'We need a robust, developed private sector. There are some that's also because past policy has not favoured the robust development of the private sector. It is only after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came that this has started happening. The space sector opened up to the private sector only four to five years ago, and so their capacity building has started only just now. Several projects have been rolled out, but we don't have the private sector acumen. This will take time, but there is now a shift in the policy,' said Dr. Singh. He was responding to a question from The Hindu on why, despite the government's multiple claims of championing private sector participation in the space sector, no private company was selected to manufacture the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Last week, public sector defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) bagged a Transfer of Technology (ToT) deal, valued at ₹511 crore from the Indian Space Research Organisation to build and operate Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs). Bidding for SSLV The SSLV is a three-stage vehicle to launch satellites that weigh less than 500 kg into the lower earth orbit (LEO). Apart from the HAL, which had applied independently, two other technically qualified bidders were shortlisted: Alpha Design Technologies Ltd. (ADT), Bengaluru, leading a consortium with Agnikul Cosmos and Walchand Industries Ltd.; and Bharat Dynamics Ltd., Hyderabad, leading a consortium with Skyroot Aerospace, Keltron and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). ADT is a subsidiary of the Adani conglomerate. Among the three, the HAL emerged as the highest bidder. Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, which oversees the BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) programme that funds biotechnology start-ups since 2012, said that while a start-up listing in the public markets was a sign of success, it was also important to consider market equity. 'The equity of biotechnology start-ups is currently around ₹7,000 have longer incubation periods,' he said in response to a query from The Hindu on when an Indian biotech start-up would hit the public markets. Dr. Singh was addressing a press conference on the achievements of scientific departments — the Departments of Science and Technology, Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Hans India
21-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
ISRO to transfer SSLV tech to HAL in ₹511 crore deal
In a landmark move towards boosting India's private space capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has secured a ₹511 crore deal to take over the manufacturing and marketing of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), according to our sources. Over the next two years, ISRO will transfer the SSLV technology to HAL, which will be responsible for producing two SSLVs end-to-end, mirroring the methodology used in ISRO's developmental launches. The SSLV, capable of delivering up to 500 kg payloads to low-Earth orbit, is known for its rapid assembly, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for deploying mini and nano satellites. This move aims to reduce India's dependence on foreign players in the small satellite launch segment and increase its share in the growing global market. HAL will be allowed to independently manufacture and launch SSLVs starting August 2027, with autonomy to redesign components and select suppliers, although 51% ownership must remain with an Indian entity as per government norms. HAL beat out Adani-backed Alpha Design Technologies and Bharat Dynamics Ltd to win the contract, which was awarded after a two-phase evaluation process headed by former Principal Scientific Adviser K. VijayRaghavan. Unlike the PSLV procurement model, this initiative shifts the onus of production, launch, and marketing entirely to the private player. 'This is different from the PSLV model, where we were the buyers,' said Radhakrishnan Durairaj, CMD of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). 'Now, HAL will look for its own market. There's significant global demand as satellites are increasingly miniaturised.' NSIL has already scheduled 15 SSLV launches to strengthen India's foothold in the space sector, with the first one planned for late 2026. Ahead of that, two SSLV missions carrying private Indian payloads are slated for launch in October 2025 and February 2026. 'We want India to become the global hub for small satellite launches,' said Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, India's nodal agency for space sector promotion and regulation. This deal marks a turning point in India's space commercialisation roadmap and paves the way for HAL to become a key player in the international small satellite market.
New Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
HAL to build small satellite launch vehicles
NSIL to launch 15 private payload SSLVs starting from October BENGALURU: New Space India Limited (NSIL) will launch its first small satellite launch vehicles (SSLV) in partnership with private firms in October 2025 and February 2026. After which 15 more will be launched subsequently. Radhakrishnan Durairaj, CMD, NSIL, on Friday said these skilled launches are based on the business in hand and demand. Earlier India did not have the space and technology to launch the SSLVs and it had to be done from the launch pads of other countries, but now after the creation of the SSLV Module in LEO Experiment (SMILE) platform developed by ISRO and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the launches can be done unhindered. The SMILE platform, inspired from the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module, is a cost-effective platform for space technologies. Durairaj said they were aiming to the launch the 15 satellites will not overlap with the ongoing works that are being done with ISRO and HAL. These works had commenced before entering into agreements with HAL. He added that the space sector and technologies have changed with satellites getting miniaturised and more constellations are coming up. India is now making its presence more prominent in the space sector.
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
HAL wins ₹511-crore deal to build, own and commercialise SSLV launches
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has bagged a Transfer of Technology (ToT) deal, valued at ₹511 crore, from the Indian Space Research Organisation, to build and operate Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs). The SSLV is a three-stage vehicle to launch satellites that weigh less than 500 kg into the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO). The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) on Friday announced the HAL as the winning bidder among three shortlisted bidders. The deal will enable commercialisation of SSLV launches. Other contenders Apart from the HAL, which had applied independently, two other technically qualified bidders were shortlisted: Alpha Design Technologies Ltd., Bengaluru, leading a consortium with Agnikul Cosmos and Walchand Industries Ltd.; and Bharat Dynamics Ltd., Hyderabad, leading a consortium with Skyroot Aerospace, Keltron and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). Among the three, HAL emerged as the highest bidder. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, announced the winner. 'The HAL will be giving ₹511 crore. It is a phased payment that will be done with some amount at the time of signing the contract and the remaining coming over a period of two years. The ToT phase will take two years and during these two years, the HAL will make at least two SSLV rockets with complete help and handholding from the ISRO and after two years, they will be on their own. So during the two years, they will draw all the technology and take it from there,' Dr. Goenka said. Rigorous evaluation IN-SPACe said the bidding process involved a rigorous eligibility and evaluation framework. 'A thorough evaluation process was followed, with various technology and financial readiness levels under review. The process, which continued for several months, culminated in the financial bid evaluation, where the HAL emerged as the highest bidder to acquire and operationalise SSLV technology,' the IN-SPACe said. The ToT Agreement will be signed among HAL, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO, and IN-SPACe. The agreement encompasses extensive training and handholding of HAL personnel by ISRO teams, both at ISRO and HAL facilities, for the realisation and launch of two SSLVs in the next two years. 'The launch vehicle system, being multidisciplinary in nature, would require the winning entity, HAL, to undergo rigorous handholding and training under ISRO at both ISRO's and the entity's facilities. This is aimed at realising the projected launch of two SSLVs from an Indian launch port,' Rajeev Jyoti, Director, Technical Directorate, IN-SPACe, said. Barenya Senapati, Director (Finance), HAL said that the PSU intends to build six to 12 SSLVs per year during the production phase and that it may ramp up based on demand and requirement. Space launch liability To a question on who will take the liability of a privately manufactured SSLV, Dr. Goenka said the state (Government of India) has the responsibility. 'It is an international rule and not something India or the HAL or IN-SPACe can decide. Now, it is up to the Indian government to decide how much of that liability they keep on themselves and how much they pass on to the owner and launcher of the vehicle. As per the contract we will have, the HAL will follow whatever is the law of the land.' 'We will come out with a decision on how the launch liability will be shared between the owner of the rocket and the Government of India,' he added.
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
HAL outbids Adani-backed firm to bag transfer of technology of SSLV from ISRO
In a significant milestone, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was on Friday declared the winner of the bid for the transfer of technology of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), the ISRO's rocket to place satellites up to 500 kg in low-earth orbit, edging out two consortia, including one led by a defence manufacturer backed by the Adani Group. Fighter jet manufacturer HAL was the standalone bidder for the coveted contract to build the ISRO-designed rocket and was pitted against the two consortia -- one led by Alpha Design Technologies, backed by the Adani Group, and the other led by Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Limited. HAL presented the winning bid of ₹511 crore to emerge as the sole manufacturer of the SSLV after the completion of the process of transfer of technology that is expected to take place over the next two years. "Under this technology-transfer agreement, HAL will have the capability to independently build, own and commercialise SSLV launches," Pawan Kumar Goenka, chairman, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (INSPACe), told a press conference here. HAL will be the third company to build rockets after space sector start-ups Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos. Mr. Goenka said nine companies had evinced interest in the transfer of technology of the SSLV, of which three were rejected. Of the remaining six, three chose not to apply. "The SSLV technology transfer marks a pivotal moment in India's transformative commercial space segment, as this is one of the first instances of a space agency transferring complete launch vehicle technology to a company," he said. Mr. Goenka said the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will handhold HAL and assist it in building two prototype rockets over the next two years. After that, the state-owned company is expected to independently produce six to 10 SSLVs every year, depending on the demand. "HAL will be free to improve on the design and select its own vendors from the third rocket after the two-year period," Mr. Goenka said. The SSLV was developed by the ISRO to launch small satellites into low-earth orbit at a shorter notice, a capability required by the defence forces in times of emergencies. "This collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening India's commercial satellite-launch capabilities and more specifically, in enabling Indian industry in realising this SSLV," Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director of New Space India Limited (NSIL), said. The move is part of efforts to allow the ISRO to focus more on research and hive off the routine activities of launching satellites, using proven launch vehicles to the industry. "We are looking forward to working closely under the ISRO and IN-SPACe's guidance to progress in phases and realise the end objectives. We are confident of steering a cohesive ecosystem that enables more small satellite launches from India's ports," D K Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, said. The technology-transfer agreement will be signed among HAL, NSIL, ISRO and IN-SPACe. The agreement encompasses extensive training and handholding of HAL personnel by ISRO teams, both at ISRO and HAL facilities, for the realisation and launch of two SSLVs in the next two years.
