With the lower Earth orbit satellite launch market projected to reach $44 billion by 2032, IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka remains optimistic about India’s aspirations to become the world’s leading hub for small satellite launches, provided domestic firms can offer competitive services.
In a key move that could accelerate India’s ambitions to become a global hub for small satellite launches, state-owned aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is set to manufacture the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) under a transfer-of-technology agreement.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) described this as one of the most comprehensive technology transfers from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to an Indian commercial entity. IN-SPACe, an autonomous single-window agency under the Department of Space, promotes, authorises and supervises private sector involvement in India’s space sector.
Bengaluru-based HAL emerged as the winning bidder from among three contenders. The other bids were submitted by a consortium comprising Alpha Design Technologies, AgniKul Cosmos and Walchand Industries, and another grouping, Bharat Dynamics with Skyroot Aerospace, Keltron and BHEL. HAL applied independently.
Applicants were assessed over several months across multiple technology and financial readiness parameters. The process culminated in financial bid evaluation, with HAL’s ₹5.11 billion ($61 million) offer emerging as the highest to acquire and operationalise SSLV technology.
At a media briefing on Friday, Pawan Goenka noted this as one of the first instances of a space agency fully transferring launch vehicle technology to an external firm.
“Under this technology transfer agreement, HAL will have the capability to independently build, own, and commercialise SSLV launches. It will work closely with ISRO, IN-SPACe and NSIL (NewSpace India Ltd) to develop core competencies in SSLV services,” he said.
NSIL, the commercial arm of ISRO, is responsible for monetising the organisation’s space-based technologies and services.
Given the SSLV’s multi-disciplinary complexity, HAL will receive intensive training and handholding at ISRO and its own facilities. It is expected to complete two SSLV prototypes within two years of contract signing.
Rajeev Jyoti, Director, Technical Directorate, IN-SPACe, added, “This is aimed at realising the projected launch of two SSLVs from an Indian spaceport. We are targeting a two-year turnaround from the date of signing the Technology Transfer Agreement.”
Towards a Global Launch Ecosystem
According to Global Market Insights, the global lower Earth orbit (LEO) satellite launch vehicle market is expected to grow from $13.9 billion in 2023 to $44 billion by 2032. Demand drivers include broadband, IoT and imaging constellations, the need for dedicated, rapid-deployment launch services, and the ongoing miniaturisation of high-performance satellites.
Describing the development as a key milestone in bolstering India’s commercial satellite launch capacity, Radhakrishnan Durairaj, CMD, NSIL, noted, “There is strong potential for SSLVs in the 300-500 kg category, as satellite platforms are being miniaturised across the globe.”
HAL aims to produce up to eight SSLV vehicles within two years and plans to scale up to 12 depending on market demand. The first launch is planned in August 2027.
Barenya Senapati, Director of Finance at HAL, said the company is committed to working closely with ISRO and IN-SPACe through the launch vehicle’s phased development. Addressing legacy concerns linked to projects such as the Tejas light combat aircraft, he assured that all timelines would be met.
“Separate capacities and capabilities have been created by HAL for the space programme,” he said, adding, “We would very much like private firms to participate as vendors in the programme.”
HAL already has a partnership with L&T to manufacture five of ISRO’s workhorse rockets—the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLVs)—under a ₹8.6 billion contract. However, the SSLV engagement is structurally different: while the PSLV is being produced under a manufacturing contract, the SSLV will be built under an ownership model, giving HAL the freedom to modify the design once commercial production begins.
Reinforcing India’s ambition to become a leading small satellite launch nation, Goenka stated that with HAL joining the fray along with Skyroot Aerospace and AgniKul Cosmos, the country now has three SSLV manufacturers.
“With three launch vehicles from them, we could look at the possibility of two launches per week in future. However, a lot will depend on the competitiveness of services offered by the companies!”
–Manish Pant