HAL Wins ISRO’s SSLV Rocket Project, Marks Space Sector Breakthrough
News Desk: In a historic move for India’s space sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been awarded the full technology transfer for building the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), becoming the first defence PSU to independently manufacture and commercialise an Indian rocket.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) on Friday announced that HAL won the bid for the SSLV technology transfer at a project cost of ₹511 crore. This marks the first time ISRO is transferring complete launch vehicle technology to an Indian company.
“This is a milestone moment for India’s growing commercial space ecosystem,” said IN-SPACe Chairperson Pawan Goenka. The agreement enables HAL to build, operate, and launch SSLVs on its own.
The selection follows a competitive bidding process initiated in 2023, where nearly 20 companies initially expressed interest. HAL emerged victorious over consortia led by Alpha Design Technologies (with Agnikul and Walchand Industries) and Bharat Dynamics (with Skyroot, Keltron, and BHEL).
IN-SPACe’s technical director Rajeev Jyoti stated that ISRO will provide intensive training and support to HAL over the next two years to prepare for the maiden commercial SSLV launches.
The SSLV is a compact three-stage solid-fuel rocket with a terminal liquid stage for precise orbital insertion. Designed for “launch-on-demand,” it can deliver payloads of up to 500 kg to low Earth orbit or 300 kg to sun-synchronous orbit. Its flexibility, rapid launch capability, and low-cost structure are tailored for the growing small satellite market.
Standing 34 metres tall with a 2.1-metre diameter and weighing about 120 tonnes, the SSLV offers options for multiple payloads and quick turnaround — capable of up to 6–8 launches annually.
Unlike earlier ISRO launchers like SLV, PSLV, or GSLV, which were geared toward national development missions, the SSLV is designed for agile, commercial deployment with minimal infrastructure and high production scalability.
This landmark move aligns India’s space ambitions with global trends and boosts indigenous private sector participation in the rocket launch market.
