Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to receive tech behind ISRO’s small satellite launch vehicle

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is the recipient of the small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV) technology from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) announced on Friday.

The transfer of technology (ToT) will be completed in two years. Once the ToT is completed, the HAL is expected to produce six to twelve SSLV rockets per year, based on demand. The SSLV is developed by ISRO to cater to the launch of small satellites up to 500 kg to low Earth orbits.

Winning the bid among three shortlisted bidders, this transition marks one of the most comprehensive technology transfers from ISRO, facilitated by IN-SPACe, to an Indian commercial entity till date.

In the first stage, six of nine companies were shortlisted. In the second stage, three companies -- HAL, Alpha Design and Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) -- were selected by an expert committee.

The two other qualified bidders who got shortlisted were Alpha Design Technologies Ltd, Bengaluru, leading a consortium with Agnikul Cosmos and Walchand Industries Ltd; BDL, Hyderabad, leading a consortium with Skyroot Aerospace, Keltron and BHEL. Unlike the other two applicants, HAL had applied independently.

In-SPACe officials said a thorough evaluation process was followed and various technology and financial readiness levels were reviewed. The process, which continued for several months, culminated in the financial bid evaluation, where HAL emerged as the highest bidder to acquire and operationalise SSLV technology.

The Chairman of IN-SPACe, Dr Pawan Goenka, said HAL emerged as the highest bidder with a bid of Rs 511 crore. He said, “As India looks at realising the 44 billion dollars space economy by 2033, it is imperative to enable a robust public-private-partnership model.”

He further said: “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 commercialise SSLV launches.”

Goenka said ISRO would handhold HAL for two years, in which the transfer of technology would be completed. The pact would be signed among 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 realisation and launch of two SSLVs in the next two years.

Rajeev Jyoti, Director, Technical Directorate, IN-SPACe, said, “The three bidders demonstrated a high level of technical competency to absorb the technology and we appreciate the earnest effort put in by all three bidders in providing extensive documentation in support of the technical evaluation criteria.” “The launch vehicle system, being multi-disciplinary in nature, will require the HAL to undergo rigorous handholding and training under ISRO at both ISRO’s and the entity’s facilities. This is aimed at realising 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.

Dr DK Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), said, “It is a matter of pride and a big responsibility. We’re looking forward to working closely under ISRO and IN-SPACe’s guidance to progress in phases and realise the end objectives. We’re confident of steering a cohesive ecosystem that enables more small satellite launches from India’s ports.”