India to Democratize Small Satellite Launch as IN-SPACe Announces SSLV Technology Transfer to HAL

Ahmedabad/Bengaluru, June 20. In a historic development for India’s space industry, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has announced Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the recipient of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology from ISRO. Emerging as the winning bidder among three shortlisted bidders, this transition marks one of the most comprehensive technology transfers from ISRO, facilitated by IN-SPACe, to an Indian commercial entity to date.

The process involved a rigorous eligibility and evaluation framework. After careful scrutiny, three technically qualified bidders were shortlisted: Alpha Design Technologies Ltd., Bengaluru (leading a consortium with Agnikul Cosmos & Walchand Industries Ltd.); Bharat Dynamics Ltd., Hyderabad (leading a consortium with Skyroot Aerospace, Keltron & BHEL); and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., Bengaluru (applying independently, not as part of a consortium).

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 HAL emerged as the highest bidder to acquire and operationalize SSLV technology.

On the milestone, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, said,“As India looks at realizing the $44 billion space economy earmarked for 2033, it is imperative to enable a robust public-private-partnership model. 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. Under this technology transfer agreement, HAL will have the capability to independently build, own, and commercialize SSLV launches.”

The Technology Transfer 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 realization and launch of two SSLVs in the next two years.

Mr. Rajeev Jyoti, Director, Technical Directorate, IN-SPACe, said, “The three bidders demonstrated a high level of technical competency to absorb the technology, and we appreciate the earnest effort put in by all three bidders in providing extensive documentation in support of the technical evaluation criteria. The launch vehicle system, being multi-disciplinary 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 realizing the projected launch of two SSLVs from an Indian launch port. We’re looking at completing this entire process within two years from the date of signing the Technology Transfer Agreement.”

Mr. Radhakrishnan Durairaj, CMD, NSIL, said, “We are pleased to be part of this SSLV technology transfer process that would enable HAL to develop this launch vehicle that would cater to launch on-demand needs of global small satellite customer needs.  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.”

On winning the bid, Dr. D.K. Sunil, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), said,“In this milestone, India’s national ambition takes priority. We’re looking forward to working closely under ISRO and IN-SPACe’s guidance to progress in phases and realize the end objectives. We’re confident of steering a cohesive ecosystem that enables more small satellite launches from India’s ports.”

This development reinforces India’s commitment to privatizing and democratizing access to space technology, empowering Indian industry to play a leading role in space manufacturing and increasing small satellite launches.