Bengaluru, September 10, 2025 –
In a major boost to India’s space sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced the signing of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) Technology Transfer Agreement with *Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), **NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and the *Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
The agreement was signed in Bengaluru, marking a milestone in India’s vision of building a stronger ecosystem for satellite launch capabilities and expanding private sector participation in space missions.
What is SSLV?
The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a three-stage solid propulsion rocket developed by ISRO. It is designed to carry satellites weighing up to 500 kilograms into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
SSLV was conceptualized to meet the growing demand for small satellite launches in India and across global markets. Its flexibility, quick turnaround time, and cost-effectiveness make it a competitive choice for commercial launches.
Key Terms of the Agreement
According to HAL’s official statement:
- The company will absorb SSLV technology within the first two years.
- This will be followed by a 10-year production phase where HAL will manufacture SSLVs for domestic and international markets.
- The contract provides HAL with a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to SSLV technology.
- The transfer includes comprehensive design documents, manufacturing processes, quality control guidelines, integration procedures, launch operation protocols, post-flight analysis reports, and training support from ISRO.
Why This Matters for India’s Space Industry
The SSLV transfer represents a crucial step in India’s strategy to:
- Expand commercial satellite launch services through public-private partnerships.
- Enhance India’s global competitiveness in the rapidly growing small satellite launch market.
- Provide a cost-effective alternative for startups, universities, and private companies seeking to deploy satellites into LEO.
This collaboration also aligns with the government’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiatives by empowering HAL with advanced indigenous space technologies.
Expert Reactions
Space analysts say the move will significantly reduce ISRO’s operational load while enabling HAL to emerge as a key production partner for SSLV missions. Industry experts also believe this partnership could help India secure a larger share of the global small satellite launch market, which is projected to grow rapidly over the next decade.
Key Highlights
- HAL, ISRO, NSIL, and IN-SPACe sign SSLV technology transfer agreement in Bengaluru
- SSLV can launch satellites weighing up to 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- HAL to absorb technology in *first 2 years, followed by *10-year production phase
- Transfer includes design, manufacturing, quality control, integration, launch operations, and training
- Boost to India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives
- Aimed at expanding India’s role in the global small satellite launch market