The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) has announced that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been selected to acquire and operationalize the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology. HAL secured the technology transfer after emerging as the highest bidder among three shortlisted participants in a multi-stage evaluation process.
The selection process included technical and financial assessments over several months. The three shortlisted bidders were Alpha Design Technologies Ltd., Bengaluru (leading a consortium with AgniKul Cosmos and Walchand Nagar Industries Limited), Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad (leading a consortium with Skyroot Aerospace, Keltron, and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited), and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru. HAL was awarded the technology transfer following the final financial bid evaluation.
“As India looks at realizing the USD 44 billion space economy earmarked for 2033, it is imperative to enable a robust public-private-partnership model. The SSLV technology transfer marks a pivotal moment in India’s transformative commercial space segment as this is one of the first instances of a space agency transferring complete launch vehicle technology to a company. Under this technology transfer agreement, HAL will have the capability to independently build, own, and commercialize SSLV launches from the upcoming spaceport,” said Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe.
“The launch vehicle system being multi-disciplinary in nature, would require the winning entity – HAL representatives to undergo rigorous handholding and training under ISRO at ISRO’s as well as the entity’s facilities. This is aimed at realizing the projected launch of two SSLVs from an Indian launch port. We’re looking at completing this entire process within two years from the date of signing the Technology Transfer Agreement,” said Rajeev Jyoti, Director Technical Directorate, IN-SPACe.
According to IN-SPACe, the technology transfer is intended to enable Indian industry to build and commercialize small satellite launch capabilities.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is an Indian aerospace and defence company engaged in the design, manufacture, and assembly of aircraft, helicopters, engines, and related systems. The company also supports space-related initiatives and collaborates with national agencies on various aerospace technologies.