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State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been officially selected, through a competitive bidding process, to take over the production of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to meet Indian and global demands.
It was formalised through a key technology transfer agreement signed with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
The agreement marks the 100th Technology Transfer Agreement (ToT) facilitated by IN-SPACe and signals a new chapter in private sector participation in India’s space program. HAL’s selection follows a competitive process managed by IN-SPACe, which concluded in June 2025.
Over the next 24 months, ISRO will provide HAL with comprehensive support, including technical training, system integration expertise, and mission planning assistance, so that HAL can independently manufacture and operationalise SSLVs for both domestic and global markets.
Strengthening India’s Position in Global Launch Market
SSLV is a key platform designed to meet the growing demand for cost-effective and flexible satellite launches, especially for small satellites in low Earth orbit. By transitioning this responsibility to HAL, India aims to expand its capacity to serve the fast-growing commercial space segment.
Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, highlighted the significance of the initiative: “This partnership reflects ISRO’s commitment to strengthening India’s commercial space capabilities. The technology transfer to HAL will allow them to move from preparedness to flight and define the next level of deep-tech collaboration in the country’s space ecosystem.”
Private Sector at the Forefront of India’s Space Vision
Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, emphasised the broader strategic implications: “The SSLV technology transfer is a vital step in building a resilient space industrial ecosystem in India. The collaboration between ISRO, NSIL, IN-SPACe, and HAL supports the Government of India’s vision to position India as a global hub for affordable and reliable launch services.”
HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. D.K. Sunil, expressed the company’s commitment to scaling up SSLV production. “This partnership is an honour and a responsibility. HAL is ready to apply its manufacturing expertise to deliver SSLVs, train the required workforce, and help build a self-sustaining, globally competitive small-satellite launch ecosystem.”
Toward an Atmanirbhar Space Sector
The agreement reflects India’s continued push for self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in strategic sectors. With HAL taking the lead in SSLV realisation, the country aims to create a commercially sustainable launch model that reduces reliance on ISRO for smaller payload missions, while unlocking significant opportunities in the global space market.
As the global demand for small satellite launches accelerates, this agreement is set to put India on a stronger trajectory to meet both national and international needs—affordably, reliably, and at scale.
Team BharatShakti
