Bengaluru: In a major push towards building India’s commercial space capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) Technology Transfer Agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
The agreement was signed on Wednesday in Bengaluru, paving the way for HAL to build, own, and operate SSLVs—a strategic shift from being a component supplier to a full-fledged space launch services provider.
Strategic Collaboration: Who Signed the Pact?
The agreement was signed by–
- Jayakrishnan S, CEO (Bangalore Complex), HAL
- Dr A Rajarajan, Director, VSSC
- M Mohan, Chairman, NSIL
- Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical), IN-SPACe
Present at the ceremony were–
- Dr D K Sunil, CMD, HAL
- Dr V Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO
- Dr Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe
- HAL Directors and senior scientists from participating organisations
SSLV: India’s New Launch Solution for Small Satellites
The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a three-stage launch vehicle designed to deliver payloads of up to 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It offers a cost-effective and quick-turnaround option for launching small satellites, which are seeing rising demand in sectors like:
- Communication
- Earth observation
- Navigation
- Academic and commercial R&D
HAL to Absorb & Commercialize SSLV Technology
Under the technology transfer agreement–
- HAL will absorb the technology over a 2-year period.
- This will be followed by a 10-year production phase.
- The license granted to HAL is non-exclusive and non-transferable.
The transferred technology covers–
- Complete design and manufacturing documentation
- Quality control processes
- Launch operations know-how
- Post-flight analysis
- Training and support from ISRO
HAL’s Strategic Shift: Building a Space Vertical
This move is aligned with HAL’s long-term vision to establish a dedicated space vertical. It now gains the autonomy to build, own, and operate SSLV launch vehicles, becoming a launch services provider for domestic and international markets.
Speaking on the development, HAL CMD Dr DK Sunil said–
“HAL will work closely with IN-SPACe, ISRO, and NSIL to absorb, indigenise, and commercialise the SSLV technology, ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability. This will create new opportunities for Indian MSMEs, start-ups, and the wider industrial ecosystem.”
What This Means for India’s Space Sector
- Positions HAL as a key player in the global small satellite launch market
- Supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in the space sector
- Encourages private sector participation and collaboration
- Boosts opportunities for MSMEs and start-ups in the aerospace supply chain
HAL, IN-SPACe, NSIL & ISRO signed the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) Technology Transfer Agreement in Bengaluru today. Mr. Jayakrishnan S, CEO (Bangalore Complex)-HAL, Dr. A. Rajarajan, Director, VSSC, Mr M. Mohan, Chairman, NSIL and Mr. Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical),… pic.twitter.com/HaY1XOnMD8
— HAL (@HALHQBLR) September 10, 2025
