Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) transfers Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) tech to defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in a Rs. 511 crore (US$ 59 million) deal

The Indian government has announced the transfer of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for Rs. 511 crore (US$ 59.70 million) through a competitive bidding process. This marks the first instance of a complete launch vehicle technology being handed over by ISRO to a company, enabling HAL to independently build, own, and commercialise SSLV launches. HAL emerged as the selected bidder among three consortia after a rigorous technical evaluation and will be trained and supported by ISRO under the Technology Transfer Agreement, which also involves NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
The SSLV, designed to place satellites up to 500 kg into Low-Earth orbit (LEO), is central to India's ambitions of capturing a significant share of the projected Rs. 3,81,172 crore (US$ 44 billion) space economy by 2033. HAL, alongside companies like Agnikul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace, is expected to help achieve a target of one rocket launch every fortnight in the coming years. This move is expected to significantly enhance India’s commercial satellite launch capabilities and strengthen the public-private partnership model in the space sector. The development also underscores the government’s vision to democratise space technology access and reinforce India’s growing role in the global small satellite launch market.

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