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ISRO inks pact with HAL for transfer of SSLV technology

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 16:40 GMT by The Financial Express
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ISRO Partners with HAL to Transfer SSLV Technology, Paving Way for India’s First Mass‑Produced Small‑Satellite Launcher

In a landmark development for India’s space sector, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the state‑owned aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have signed a pact that will see the transfer of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology from ISRO to HAL. The agreement, sealed in a ceremony held at Bengaluru’s Vasanth Nagar, is expected to accelerate the production and commercialisation of the SSLV – a low‑cost, high‑reliability launch system that can place 1–2 tonne payloads into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The collaboration is the first step toward establishing a domestic industry capable of manufacturing launch vehicles at scale, thereby bolstering India’s position in the rapidly expanding global small‑satellite market.

The Essence of the Agreement

At its core, the pact is a technology‑transfer and joint‑venture arrangement. ISRO will provide HAL with access to its proprietary design data, engineering know‑how, and manufacturing expertise for the SSLV’s four‑stage rocket. In return, HAL will take on the responsibility of building, testing, and delivering the first commercial launch vehicles under the SSLV banner. The agreement covers the complete life‑cycle of the vehicle – from pre‑launch ground systems and avionics to propulsion and integration facilities.

The deal is expected to culminate in a joint‑venture company, with the Indian government as a shareholder. Both entities will contribute to the capital requirements and share the intellectual property generated during the development. While ISRO’s core team will continue to oversee the design validation and performance testing, HAL will assume responsibility for the mass production and quality assurance of the launch vehicle.

Why SSLV Matters

The SSLV was conceived by ISRO to address a niche but rapidly growing market: the launch of small satellites. Unlike the large, heavy‑lift launchers (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle – PSLV, GSLV, GSLV Mk‑III), SSLV is a lightweight, 1‑tonne class vehicle that can be produced at a fraction of the cost. Its design relies on indigenous propulsion systems and simple, modular components, enabling fast manufacturing and short turnaround times.

With the global demand for small‑satellite launch services projected to rise by more than 40% over the next decade, India stands to gain a substantial commercial advantage. Currently, most of India’s launch services are provided by ISRO, which limits the frequency of launches and restricts pricing flexibility. By handing over the SSLV to HAL, ISRO hopes to unlock mass production and lower launch costs, thereby encouraging private sector participation and attracting foreign customers.

The Role of HAL

HAL has a longstanding legacy of building complex aerospace systems, most notably the MiG‑21, HAL Tejas, and the Indian Naval aircraft. The organisation has extensive experience in precision manufacturing, propulsion, avionics, and logistics. Leveraging its state‑of‑the‑art facilities – such as the 3,200‑sq‑metre “R&D & Production” complex in Bengaluru – HAL is uniquely positioned to scale up SSLV production.

The pact gives HAL a new product line, creating employment opportunities and fostering a domestic ecosystem for small‑satellite launch services. The company will establish a dedicated SSLV production cell that will house integrated assembly lines, quality control labs, and ground support equipment. In addition to building the launch vehicle itself, HAL will also provide end‑to‑end launch services, from payload integration to launch site operations at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

What the Deal Means for India’s Space Industry

1. Industrialisation of Launch Capabilities
   The collaboration marks the first instance where a launch vehicle design from ISRO will be commercialised by a public‑sector enterprise. This industrialisation will reduce reliance on a single organisation for all launch services and create a more resilient space sector.

2. Boosting Domestic Competitiveness
   With HAL’s manufacturing expertise and the SSLV’s low‑cost architecture, India will be able to compete more aggressively with other global launch service providers such as Rocket Lab, SpaceX (mini‑launch vehicles), and the European Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) programmes.

3. Private‑Sector Synergy
   A mass‑produced SSLV will lower the barrier to entry for Indian private satellite operators. Companies like Planet, SpaceX, and others could use the platform to launch constellations of small‑satellites, fueling the data‑economy and enabling services ranging from earth‑observation to communications.

4. Strategic Autonomy
   By securing a domestic launch vehicle, India reduces its dependence on foreign launch services, thereby safeguarding strategic payloads and ensuring launch flexibility during geopolitical crises.

Timeline and Milestones

The joint‑venture will adhere to a phased schedule. The first milestone – the maiden flight of the SSLV – is slated for 2026. Leading up to that, HAL will:

• Q1–Q2 2024 – Set up the production line and procure essential raw materials.
• Q3 2024 – Q1 2025 – Conduct initial component tests, such as the solid‑rocket booster and liquid propulsion stages.
• Q2 2025 – Assemble the first full vehicle and perform static‑fire tests.
• Q3 2025 – Execute the first integrated system check, culminating in a sub‑orbital test flight.
• 2026 – Deliver the first orbital launch for a commercial payload.

ISRO’s team will conduct the performance validation at the ISRO Launch Complex in Sriharikota, ensuring that the launch vehicle meets all design specifications and safety criteria.

Quotes from the Signing Ceremony

• Dr. S. Natarajan, Deputy Chairman & Managing Director, HAL: “This agreement marks a significant milestone in our journey to become a global aerospace hub. By collaborating with ISRO, we’re not just building rockets – we’re building India’s future in space.”
• Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, Director, ISRO: “The transfer of SSLV technology to HAL is a strategic decision that will unlock new commercial opportunities. We’re confident that HAL’s expertise will bring the SSLV to the market faster and more reliably than ever before.”
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi (attending virtually): “This partnership showcases India’s ability to blend science and industry for the benefit of the nation. The small‑satellite launch vehicle will help us meet the growing demand for space‑based services and further consolidate India’s leadership in space.”

Looking Ahead

The ISRO‑HAL partnership is a harbinger of India’s evolving space strategy, which increasingly emphasises private‑sector participation and domestic production. The successful transfer of SSLV technology could pave the way for future collaborations, such as joint development of high‑payload launch vehicles (GSLV Mk‑III‑C) or the deployment of India’s own satellite‑based navigation system, NavIC, in multiple constellations.

In a broader sense, this pact signals India’s readiness to take a step beyond “a single launch per month” and become a true launch‑service provider in the global market. If the first launch in 2026 meets expectations, India could soon be offering competitive launch services at prices that rival those of the world’s leading commercial providers.

For now, the industry watches with keen anticipation as HAL’s assembly lines hum to life, and the SSLV takes its first steps toward the sky – a testament to India’s growing aerospace prowess and its commitment to turning space into an everyday resource for all.