**HAL Partners with ISRO and IN-SPACe for SSLV Technology Transfer**
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), along with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has formalized an agreement in Bengaluru to transfer technology related to the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). This innovative three-stage vehicle is specifically designed to launch satellites weighing under 500 kilograms into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The agreement signing was attended by key figures from HAL, IN-SPACe, and ISRO, including HAL’s CEO Jayakrishnan S, NSIL Chairman M Mohan, and IN-SPACe Technical Director Rajeev Jyoti. Other notable attendees included V Narayanan, ISRO Chairman, and Pawan Kumar Goenka, IN-SPACe Chairman, along with directors from HAL and senior scientists.
Under the terms of the contract, HAL will focus on absorbing the SSLV technology over the next two years, followed by a decade-long production phase. The agreement grants HAL a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to the technology, encompassing comprehensive design, manufacturing, quality control, integration, launch operations, post-flight analysis documentation, and training support. HAL will also be responsible for mass-producing the SSLV technology to cater to both Indian and global markets.
D K Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, emphasized the strategic significance of the SSLV in addressing the increasing demand for small satellite launches for various applications, including communication, earth observation, and navigation. He stated, “HAL will collaborate closely with IN-SPACe, ISRO, and NSIL to absorb, indigenize, and commercialize the SSLV technology, ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability in small satellite launch services.” He also highlighted that HAL’s initiatives would foster indigenous manufacturing of SSLVs and create new opportunities for Indian MSMEs, start-ups, and the broader industrial ecosystem.
With this technology transfer agreement, HAL gains the autonomy to build, own, and operate the SSLV, aligning with its long-term strategy to establish a dedicated space vertical. This strategic move positions HAL to evolve from a component supplier to a comprehensive launch service provider, making it a significant player in the rapidly growing small satellite market.
**FAQ**
**What is the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)?**
The SSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle designed to deploy satellites weighing less than 500 kilograms into Low Earth Orbit, catering to the increasing demand for small satellite launches.
