ISRO to transfer SSLV tech to HAL in ₹511 crore deal
In a landmark move towards boosting India's private space capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has secured a ₹511 crore deal to take over the manufacturing and marketing of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), according to our sources.
Over the next two years, ISRO will transfer the SSLV technology to HAL, which will be responsible for producing two SSLVs end-to-end, mirroring the methodology used in ISRO's developmental launches. The SSLV, capable of delivering up to 500 kg payloads to low-Earth orbit, is known for its rapid assembly, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for deploying mini and nano satellites.
This move aims to reduce India's dependence on foreign players in the small satellite launch segment and increase its share in the growing global market. HAL will be allowed to independently manufacture and launch SSLVs starting August 2027, with autonomy to redesign components and select suppliers, although 51% ownership must remain with an Indian entity as per government norms.
HAL beat out Adani-backed Alpha Design Technologies and Bharat Dynamics Ltd to win the contract, which was awarded after a two-phase evaluation process headed by former Principal Scientific Adviser K. VijayRaghavan.
Unlike the PSLV procurement model, this initiative shifts the onus of production, launch, and marketing entirely to the private player. 'This is different from the PSLV model, where we were the buyers,' said Radhakrishnan Durairaj, CMD of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). 'Now, HAL will look for its own market. There's significant global demand as satellites are increasingly miniaturised.'
NSIL has already scheduled 15 SSLV launches to strengthen India's foothold in the space sector, with the first one planned for late 2026. Ahead of that, two SSLV missions carrying private Indian payloads are slated for launch in October 2025 and February 2026.
'We want India to become the global hub for small satellite launches,' said Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, India's nodal agency for space sector promotion and regulation.
This deal marks a turning point in India's space commercialisation roadmap and paves the way for HAL to become a key player in the international small satellite market.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Make in India: ‘We Assemble, China Profits, Youth Suffer'
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing critique of PM Modi's 'Make in India' campaign, saying it's become little more than a slogan that benefits China more than Indian youth. During a visit to Delhi's Nehru Place market, Gandhi interacted with local mobile technicians and posted a video detailing how most electronics in India are just being assembled, not manufactured. He pointed out that the key parts come from abroad—largely from China—and claimed that assembling iPhones in India only helps Chinese exporters and Indian oligopolies, not workers or small manufacturers. Citing rising unemployment and falling manufacturing share in the GDP, Rahul Gandhi said India needs 'honest reforms' and real financial support for lakhs of small and medium producers. "Modi ji has mastered the art of slogans, not solutions," Gandhi remarked, adding that youth unemployment is at record highs and the PLI scheme is quietly being rolled back. This bold critique adds new heat to the debate on India's manufacturing policy just as economic indicators continue to draw concern.#rahulgandhi #pmmodi #makeinindia #modivsraga #unemployment #chinaindia #nehruplace #toi #toibharat #bharat #breakingnews #indianews Read More
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Reducing acute dependence, countering China's near monopoly: India readies Rs 5,000 crore scheme for rare earth minerals
The incentives in India's proposed programme will be distributed through a reverse bidding mechanism. (AI image) India is readying a plan to reduce its acute dependence on China for rare earth minerals. The move comes at a time when China has imposed export curbs on rare earths and Indian industry has raised alarm bells on shortage of magnets and other components. India is looking at a Rs 3,500-Rs 5,000 crore scheme to promote the production of rare earth minerals and derived magnets domestically, with approval expected within two weeks, according to a senior government official. "The priority is to start domestic-critical mineral production in the shortest time period," the official told ET. China dominates global supply of rare earth magnets and has implemented export restrictions. These essential minerals, vital for manufacturing automobiles, electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy infrastructure, face supply constraints. The incentives in India's proposed programme will be distributed through a reverse bidding mechanism. This initiative follows an internal ministerial assessment that highlighted the necessity to diversify supply sources, given the substantial reliance on imports from China. Also Read | India bleeds Pakistan dry: Water at 'dead' levels in Pakistan's dams; bigger Indus river plans in the works - top points to know "Fresh steps are being taken to boost domestic availability of critical minerals," the official said, noting that a minimum of five major Indian companies have informally shown interest in manufacturing these materials during discussions with government authorities. India's Rare Earth Requirements The automotive sector has highlighted concerns about Chinese restrictions and requested governmental assistance. In April, Beijing introduced mandatory special export licences for seven rare earth elements and associated magnets. In India, manufacturers of EVs and wind turbines represent the primary consumers of rare earth elements, accounting for more than 50% of the projected domestic demand of 4010 metric tonnes in 2025. The overall requirement is anticipated to reach 8220 metric tonnes by 2030. Also Read | 'Dramatic decline…watch out…': China's exports to US dip sharply amid Trump trade war; why India needs to be on the guard Additionally, the government intends to modify the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act to bolster the critical mineral initiative. Beyond regulatory adjustments, the Centre anticipates limited but commercially viable domestic production of rare earth permanent magnets to commence later this year. Financial support has been allocated to Midwest Advanced Materials Private Ltd, Hyderabad, by the ministry of science and technology. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Hindustan Times
38 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Axiom launch: Shubhanshu Shukla to take part in these 7 experiments in space
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4) is all geared up to take off to its destination, International Space Station (ISS), from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will be part of the crew. He and other team members will conduct several experiments in space. The experiments that are to be conducted by Shukla, are developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and other Indian institutions.(AFP) The launch, which was scheduled on Sunday, June 22, has been delayed. While the launch shas been postponed until further notice, Shukla and Axiom Mission will be reportedly conducting these 7 experiments in space. The experiments are developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and other Indian institutions. 1. Myogenesis Co-ordinated by the Institute of Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), India, one of India's research missions as part of Axiom includes looking for the causes of muscle atrophy. Since astronauts suffer from muscle loss in space, Shukla will be looking into its causes in microgravity and identifying therapy-based strategies to deal with it. 2. Food crop seeds in microgravity Co-ordinated by Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology and Kerala Agricultural University, seeds of six varieties of crops will be taken to space to test their growth and development. Kerala Agricultural University expects to look for genetic properties that can be used for crop cultivation in space. 3. Sprouting salad seeds in the International Space Station (ISS) Co-ordinated by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad and Indian Institute of Technology, Dharwad, this experiment aims to look for the effect of space on the process of germination and thriving of seeds. The seeds will be cultivated across generations to observe genetic and nutritional changes after the mission. 4. Voyager tardigrade Co-ordinated by Indian Institute of Science, this experiment aims towards finding the underlying reason behind how the almost indestructible micro-animals cope under extreme stress. The process involves rehydrating the organisms and studying their existence and healing procedures in space. 5. Voyager displays Also coordinated by Indian Institute of Science, this experiment will dive deep into researching the physical and cognitive consequences of computer screen usage in space by observing actions like pointing at the screen, and eyeball movements. It will also shed light on its effects on the astronaut's stress levels. 6. Cyanobacteria in microgravity Co-ordinated by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) with the European Space Agency (ESA), this experiment aims at examining cyanobacteria or water bacteria's photosynthesis abilities. Two strains of this bacterium will be experimented with to find out about their growth rates and biochemical activities in space. 7. Space microalgae Co-ordinated by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) & National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), India, this experiment will research into the metabolism, growth and genetic activities of microalgae without gravity, in space. Three strains of microalgae will undergo this experiment. With inputs from PTI
