In a first-of-its-kind development, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN SPACe) has announced that ISRO will transfer its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to the Bengaluru-headquartered Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for Rs 511 crores.

HAL will pay ISRO Rs 511 crores in a phased manner. HAL will develop two SSLV rockets in the next two years and ISRO will be hand-holding the development along with HAL for two years and thereafter HAL will independently develop the rockets on their own.  HAL emerged as the winning bidder among three shortlisted bidders. This is one of the most comprehensive technology transfers from ISRO, facilitated by IN-SPACe, to an Indian commercial entity to date.

As per Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, the process involved a rigorous eligibility and evaluation framework and HAL was shortlisted after careful scrutiny among the other technically qualified bidders –Alpha Design Technologies Ltd., Bengaluru (leading a consortium with Agnikul Cosmos and Walchand Industries Ltd.); Bharat Dynamics Ltd., Hyderabad (leading a consortium with Skyroot Aerospace, Keltron and BHEL). The aim of the technology transfer has been to increase small satellite launches and strengthen India’s commercial space economy with enhanced global partnerships.

Goenka mentioned that a thorough evaluation process was followed, with various technology and financial readiness levels under review. The process continued for several months and culminated in the financial bid evaluation, where HAL emerged as the highest bidder to acquire and operationalize SSLV technology.

“India is looking at realizing the $44 billion space economy earmarked for 2033 and the SSLV technology transfer marks a pivotal moment in India’s transformative commercial space segment. 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,” remarked Goenka.

The Technology Transfer Agreement will be signed by HAL, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO, and IN-SPACe. The agreement encompasses extensive training and handholding of HAL personnel by ISRO teams, both at ISRO and HAL facilities, for the realization and launch of two SSLVs in the next two years.

As per Rajeev Jyoti, Director, Technical Directorate, IN-SPACe, all three bidders demonstrated a high level of technical competency to absorb the technology. The launch vehicle system, being multi-disciplinary in nature, would require the winning entity HAL to undergo rigorous handholding and training under ISRO at both ISRO’s and the entity’s facilities. This is aimed at realizing the projected launch of two SSLVs from an Indian launch port.

According to Radhakrishnan Durairaj, CMD, NSIL, his team would help in the technology transfer process that would enable HAL to develop this launch vehicle that would cater to launch on-demand needs of global small satellite customer needs.

IN-SPACe was constituted in June 2020 following the Central Government’s decision to open up the space sector and enable the participation of the Indian private sector in the gamut of space activities. IN-SPACe acts as a single-window, independent, nodal agency that functions as an autonomous agency in the Department of Space (DOS).