In a landmark development for India’s space industry, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially transferred its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in a deal worth approximately $59 million. The announcement, made on June 23, 2025, marks the first time ISRO has handed over a full-fledged launch vehicle technology to a private-sector-led consortium.
The Rs. 511 crore ($59.7 million) contract was awarded through a competitive bidding process, where HAL was chosen from among three bidding consortia after passing a stringent technical evaluation. This agreement will allow HAL to independently manufacture, manage, and commercially launch SSLVs, significantly expanding India’s private-sector role in space.
The transfer comes under a formal Technology Transfer Agreement supported by NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). ISRO will also provide training and technical assistance to HAL as part of the agreement.
The SSLV is a compact, efficient launch system designed to deploy payloads of up to 500 kilograms into low-earth orbit (LEO). Its development aligns with India’s broader strategy to claim a larger share of the global small satellite launch market, estimated to be worth $44 billion by 2033.
The inclusion of HAL into the launch ecosystem joins it with startups like Agnikul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace, collectively working toward a goal of conducting one satellite launch every two weeks. This move is expected to strengthen India’s commercial launch capabilities, reinforce public-private collaboration, and help democratize access to space technologies.
By involving a defense manufacturing giant like HAL in satellite launch operations, the government is pushing forward its vision of positioning India as a formidable player in the international space economy. This transition also reflects a broader shift toward privatization and commercialization in the Indian space sector, opening up new avenues for innovation, investment, and global partnerships.
