HAL signs technology transfer agreement for ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology

Within three months of winning the bid to acquire the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) building technology developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), public sector company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has formally signed the Technology Transfer Agreement (ToT) with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and ISRO.

This is the 100th ToT facilitated by IN-SPACe, a significant milestone for industry participation in India’s space sector. The agreement is a formative step towards democratising the SSLV space and advancing India’s capabilities in space technology and commercial activities.

“With India’s liberalisation of the commercial space sector, opportunities are certainly growing, and at ISRO, we have a dynamic technology transfer mechanism to realise the shared goals. This agreement is part of that movement, where ISRO will guide the HAL team on the preparedness-to-flight tangent of SSLV. This would define the next phase of deep-tech collaboration in space in India,” said V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO.

The entire technology transfer process is targeted for completion within 24 months from the date of agreement signing. During this period, ISRO will provide necessary training and technical support to HAL for acquiring the know-how of the SSLV, from commercials to technology integration, eventually leading to the accomplishment of the two missions under the technology transfer agreement. This is expected to enhance India’s national capacity to cater to the rapidly growing domestic and global satellite launch markets.

“We are honoured to be in this league to scale India’s next big frontiers with the SSLV technology, by partnering with ISRO, NSIL and IN-SPACe to operationalise it. HAL will apply its engineering and manufacturing strength to build SSLVs, train the required workforce and progress towards building a self-reliant ecosystem, so India can offer regular, cost-competitive small-satellite launches to domestic and global customers”, said D K Sunil, CMD, HAL.

This signing follows the June 20th announcement of HAL as the successful bidder in a competitive process managed by IN-SPACe. The SSLV Technology Transfer Agreement highlights the collective resolve of India’s space ecosystem to strive towards a self-reliant India in space.