Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Secures ₹511 Crore Technology Transfer for SSLV from ISRO
New Delhi, June 21, 2025 – In a landmark decision, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been awarded the transfer of technology for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for a bid of ₹511 crore. The announcement, made on Friday, marks HAL as the exclusive manufacturer of the SSLV following a competitive bidding process.
HAL Outbids Competitors
Against stiff competition from two consortia—one led by Alpha Design Technologies with backing from the Adani Group, and another spearheaded by Bharat Dynamics Limited in Hyderabad—HAL emerged as the sole bidder for this prestigious contract. The successful bid paves the way for HAL to absorb, manufacture, and commercialize SSLV technology, significantly enhancing India’s capabilities in the satellite launch sector.
Dr. DK Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, expressed enthusiasm regarding the development, stating, “HAL’s selection for the SSLV ToT will enable indigenous production and further development of small satellite launch capabilities, opening up new partnerships with domestic and international satellite operators.”
Details of the Transfer Agreement
The possibility of a robust collaboration is set forth as HAL, under this agreement, will have the autonomy to build, own, and commercialize SSLV launches independently. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), elaborated on the implications of this transfer. He highlighted that HAL is expected to produce between six to ten SSLVs annually post the initial two-year technology transfer period, depending on market demand.
Goenka emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative: “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.”
Development and Production Plans
In collaboration with ISRO, HAL aims to develop two prototype rockets within the next two years. Following this initial phase, HAL will gain the freedom to refine the SSLV design and choose its suppliers, enhancing the vehicle’s production efficiency and adaptability.
The SSLV is positioned to be a cost-effective, compact launch option for deploying satellites into low Earth orbit, meeting an urgent need particularly emphasized by defense requirements during emergencies. This innovation aligns with ISRO’s broader strategy to focus on advanced research and development by delegating routine satellite launches to industry players like HAL.
Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director of New Space India Limited (NSIL), highlighted the significance of this collaboration in strengthening India’s commercial satellite-launch capabilities, further enabling the domestic industry’s potential in realizing the SSLV.
Future Prospects
The technology-transfer agreement is expected to be formally signed among HAL, NSIL, ISRO, and IN-SPACe. The collaboration includes comprehensive training sessions and hands-on support from ISRO’s team for HAL personnel, reinforcing a strong foundation for the successful realization and launch of SSLVs.
As India’s space sector evolves, HAL’s engagement in satellite launches represents a vital step toward enhancing the country’s capability in the global aerospace market, potentially opening up new opportunities for numerous satellite operators domestically and internationally.
For ongoing updates and the latest information in the realm of space and technology, stay tuned to our coverage.
