The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) Technology Transfer Agreement was signed in Bengaluru by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), indicating a major turning point in India’s space sector. This partnership represents a major milestone in the commercialization and indigenization of space technology, as it allows HAL to independently manufacture and operate the SSLV, thereby transforming India’s small satellite launch capabilities.
Summary of the SSLV Technology Transfer Agreement
On September 10, 2025, in a ceremony witnessed by top officials including Dr. D. K. Sunil, CMD of HAL; Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO; Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe; and senior scientists and directors from these organizations, HAL signed a technology transfer agreement with ISRO, IN-SPACe, and NSIL to receive the SSLV technology. Mr. Jayakrishnan S, CEO of HAL’s Bangalore Complex, and representatives from the other organizations signed the agreement.
The SSLV technology, which includes extensive design, manufacturing, quality control, integration, launch operations, and post-flight analysis documentation, is granted to HAL by the agreement. This license is non-exclusive and non-transferable. The continuous support and comprehensive training that HAL receives from ISRO are also of great importance. This technology transfer will allow HAL to incorporate the SSLV technology within the first two years, followed by a decade-long production phase that is dedicated to meeting the needs of Indian and international small satellite launchers.
Dr. D. K. Sunil underscored HAL’s dedication to forging a partnership with IN-SPACe, ISRO, and NSIL to indigenize and commercialize SSLV, with the objective of establishing the highest quality standards in small satellite launch services. HAL also regards this development as a strategic initiative to establish a dedicated vertical space within it, which will generate new opportunities for Indian MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and the broader industrial ecosystem.
What is the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)?
The SSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle that was developed by ISRO to address the expanding global market for the launch of small satellites, which are less than 500 kg in weight, into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It has a liftoff weight of approximately 120 kilograms and a diameter of 2 meters, with a length of approximately 34 meters. All three stages use solid fuel, ending with a Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) that uses liquid fuel to ensure accurate placement in orbit.
The SSLV, which was developed with cost-efficiency and flexibility in mind, has a remarkable turnaround time of only 72 hours, which is substantially shorter than the 70 days required for the larger Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) of ISRO. SSLV is the optimal choice for the rapid, on-demand deployment of small satellites due to its minimal launch infrastructure requirements and capacity to launch multiple satellites simultaneously.
The SSLV’s maiden flight was conducted by ISRO in August 2022, and while it encountered some challenges, the succeeding flight in February 2023 successfully placed its payload in orbit, thereby validating the vehicle’s capabilities. In the domestic and international small satellite launch markets, SSLV is a competitive option due to its rapid deployment and reduced operational costs.
Functions of HAL, IN-SPACe, NSIL, and ISRO
HAL: With the transfer of SSLV technology, HAL is poised to transform into a significant launch vehicle producer and operator. Previously, the company concentrated on aerospace fabrication and component supply. HAL is responsible for the bulk production of SSLV to meet the needs of both Indian and global small satellite launchers. The agreement allows HAL to independently construct, own, and operate SSLV, reflecting a strategic expansion of HAL’s portfolio into the space launch services industry.
IN-SPACe, an autonomous agency under the Department of Space, was established in 2020 with the objective of regulating and fostering private sector involvement in India’s space activities. It serves as a single-window facilitator for private corporations, facilitating access to ISRO’s facilities and supervising authorization processes. IN-SPACe’s participation in the SSLV transfer is indicative of its objective to promote a dynamic Indian space ecosystem that encompasses industry and startups, as well as to democratize space technology.
NSIL: Established in 2019 as the commercial arm of ISRO, NSIL is responsible for the marketing and operationalization of ISRO’s space products and services. This encompasses the global marketing of Indian space capabilities, satellite launches, and collaboration with private industry in satellite manufacturing. NSIL is responsible for the management of contracts for satellite launches and associated services. It has collaborated with global space actors and launched numerous foreign satellites. Additionally, NSIL will contribute to the commercialization of the SSLV launches developed by HAL.
ISRO, India’s premier space agency, developed the SSLV to meet the growing global demand for compact satellite launches. It has been instrumental in the transfer of this technology and knowledge to HAL, facilitating a seamless transition from agency-led launches to industry-led production and operations through the provision of training and extensive technical support.
Market Potential and Strategic Significance
By 2033, the space economy in India is expected to reach an estimated $44 billion (Rs. 381,172 crore), primarily due to the rapid expansion of satellite deployment for scientific research, navigation, earth observation, and communication. The SSLV targets a critical market segment of satellites weighing up to 500 kg, which are being deployed by a growing number of domestic and international clients, including research institutions, commercial firms, and developing countries.
ISRO has a substantial history of launching over 400 satellites for global clients, with a significant number of them being small satellites. India’s objective is to increase the availability of rocket launches, decrease wait times, and effectively meet international demand by launching approximately one rocket every two weeks, with the participation of private industry actors like HAL.
The transfer of SSLV technology to HAL signifies a significant paradigm shift from ISRO’s status as the sole launch provider to a public-private model in which the Indian industry constructs inland launch capacity and provides commercial launch services. This strategy is anticipated to generate employment opportunities, establish an indigenous industrial base centered on space technologies, and stimulate India’s MSME and startup sector.
Commercialization and Public-Private Partnerships in the Indian Space Sector: A broader perspective
This development aligns with the government’s main goal of promoting private sector involvement in space through various reforms, including:
- The government has established IN-SPACe as a regulatory and promotional agency for private space activities, providing a single-window solution.
- The establishment of NSIL as a commercial entity aims to utilize ISRO’s capabilities for market-driven operations.
- The Indian Space Policy 2023 advocates for the increased involvement of the private sector in the development of satellites, launch services, and space applications.
- ISRO will open its infrastructure, including launch platforms and testing centers, to private firms.
- Private startups such as Agnikul Cosmos, Skyroot Aerospace, and Dhruva Space, who are leading the way in developing innovative satellite services and launch technologies, will receive assistance from ISRO.Private startups such as Agnikul Cosmos, Skyroot Aerospace, and Dhruva Space, who are leading the way in developing innovative satellite services and launch technologies, will receive assistance from ISRO.
- These efforts will be boosted by the SSLV program moving to HAL, which will combine launch services with India’s growing commercial space market and help build large-scale production capabilities with support from the industry.
In conclusion,
HAL’s portfolio has been expanded to include satellite launch vehicle production and service provision as a result of the SSLV Technology Transfer Agreement inked by ISRO, IN-SPACe, and NSIL, which represents a significant milestone in India’s space industry. India will be well-positioned in the global small satellite launch market as a result of SSLV’s rapid-launch, low-cost, and versatile capabilities, which will also foster a robust industrial ecosystem that engages MSMEs and entrepreneurs. This transfer is indicative of a new era of public-private partnership and commercialization in Indian space endeavors, which is advancing toward the ambitious $44 billion Indian space economy that is projected for 2033.
The fast-growing small satellite industry is expected to boost India’s position as a major player in space, leading to economic benefits, independence in strategy, and self-sufficiency in technology due to the combination of technical skills, teamwork between public and private sectors, and supportive regulations.