HAL Signs Technology Transfer Agreement with ISRO, IN-SPACe, and NSIL for Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

In September 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) with the ISRO, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to manufacture and operate the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), boosting opportunities for MSMEs and start-ups.

      - The SSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle developed by ISRO, designed to carry satellites weighing up to 500 kilograms (kg) into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It is cost-effective, flexible, and caters to the increasing domestic and international demand for small satellite launches.

      - The agreement was signed by Jayakrishnan S, CEO, HAL Bangalore Complex; A. Rajarajan, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)/ISRO; M. Mohan, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), NSIL; and Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical), IN-SPACe. The ceremony was attended by Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space (DoS) & Chairman, ISRO; Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe; and Dr. D. K. Sunil, CMD, HAL, along with senior officials.

      - The TTA aims to enable HAL to evolve from being a component supplier to a full-fledged launch service provider, supporting India’s vision of a self-reliant and robust space ecosystem while facilitating private sector participation.

Main Point :-   (i) HAL has received a non-exclusive, non-transferable license for SSLV technology. The agreement covers design, manufacturing, quality control, integration, launch operations, and post-flight analysis, ensuring end-to-end capabilities for small satellite launches.

      (ii) HAL will undergo a two-year technology absorption phase with ISRO’s technical support and training, followed by a ten-year production period, enabling the company to independently operate SSLV missions in the future.

(iii) This agreement marks the 100th Technology Transfer facilitated by IN-SPACe, reflecting India’s strategic push to involve Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups in space technology and address the growing global demand for small satellite launch solutions.