No favouritism and taxpayer risk in SSLV transfer
Bengaluru, June 20 (UNI) IN-SPACe Chairman Dr Pawan Goenka has strongly refuted allegations of bias, lack of transparency, and misuse of public funds in the transfer of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), asserting that the decision was made through a transparent, merit-based process, fully aligned with India's new space policy.
Addressing an UNI query, Dr Goenka stated, 'It has been absolutely clear from day one that the selection process was open, transparent, and fair. HAL emerged as the technically qualified highest bidder. There was no favouritism or manoeuvring to award this to a PSU.'
He clarified that both private and public sector entities competed on an equal footing. 'Whether it is HAL or a private company, IN-SPACe does not discriminate. The highest, most qualified bidder gets it—period,' he emphasised.
Responding to suggestions that HAL was chosen due to its PSU status, Dr Goenka pointed out HAL's extensive experience in building subsystems for launch vehicles. 'This technology is going into good hands. HAL has worked closely with ISRO before and understands the intricacies of rocket manufacturing,' he said.
On concerns about the financial liability in case of mission failure, Dr Goenka was unequivocal: 'There is absolutely no risk to taxpayers. HAL has paid the Government of India to acquire the SSLV technology. If a rocket fails, the loss is HAL's, not the government's.'
This, he added, marks a major turning point in India's space sector, where commercial entities now take full financial and operational ownership. 'It could have been a private company too. The key is: the responsibility now lies with the one who owns the licence.'
Dismissing suggestions that ISRO is being sidelined, the IN-SPACe chief said the move is in strict adherence to the Indian Space Policy approved by the Union Cabinet, which delineates ISRO's focus on R&D and strategic launches, while leaving commercial operations to industry via IN-SPACe and NSIL.
'ISRO is not being cut out. It is simply focusing on its core mandate. We're implementing what the policy clearly outlines,' he said, citing the structured roles of other agencies such as NSIL, Antrix, and IN-SPACe.
SSLV, a lightweight, low-cost rocket intended to serve the global small satellite launch market, is expected to play a key role in expanding India's commercial space footprint.
'This is a historic moment — for the first time, a complete launch vehicle programme has moved out of ISRO's hands and into industry. It shows our commitment to democratising space access,' Dr Goenka concluded.
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NDTV
44 minutes ago
- NDTV
In New Era In Private Spaceflight, HAL To Operate Small Indian Rockets
New Delhi: In addition to making fighter planes, now Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will also own and operate small Indian rockets. Space regulator Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has announced the transfer of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru, in a big development for India's space sector. The announcement was made by Dr Pawan K Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe. Dr Goenka emphasised the importance of this technology transfer, highlighting that HAL will now be responsible for manufacturing, marketing, and launching SSLV rockets independently on a commercial basis, after a two-year handholding by the Indian Space Research Organisatuion (ISRO). This marks a departure from previous practices where rockets were made on behalf of ISRO or its commercial arm, the New Space India Limited (NSIL). The transfer aims to empower HAL to operate as a commercial entity in the global small satellite launch market. The selection process for the technology transfer involved a rigorous two-stage evaluation. Initially, six out of nine industries were shortlisted based on stringent eligibility criteria. In the second stage, three industries, Alpha Design Technologies Ltd., Bengaluru (leading a consortium with Agnikul Cosmos & Walchand Industries Ltd.); Bharat Dynamics Ltd., Hyderabad (leading a consortium with Skyroot Aerospace, Keltron & BHEL); and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., Bengaluru (applying independently, not as part of a consortium) submitted techno-commercial bids. After thorough evaluation, HAL emerged as the winner with the highest bid of Rs 511 crore. Now, HAL will be able to exclusively own the SSLV technology. In contrast Alpha Design Technologies as lead member which is hi-tech defence supplier had put in a bid at Rs 373 crore. Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, said, "As India looks at realizing the $44 billion space economy earmarked for 2033, it is imperative to enable a robust public-private-partnership model. The SSLV technology transfer marks a pivotal moment in India's transformative commercial space segment, as this is one of the first instances of a space agency transferring complete launch vehicle technology to a company. Under this technology transfer agreement, HAL will have the capability to independently build, own, and commercialize SSLV launches." As per estimates, ISRO spent under Rs 200 crore for the development of its latest SSLV launcher which has had three successful launches and the per cost of the SSLV is expected to be about Rs 30-35 crore. It weighs 120 tonnes and is 34 meters high and a rocket can be assembled in less than a week which is a great turnaround time. The SSLV serves a niche market for on-demand launch services for the under 500 kilogram satellite market. Experts say the pricing is very competitive. Dr Goenka said HAL emerged as the highest bidder and in a tendering process where technology is being purchased his office had little leeway and the H1 emerged as the winner. Some are saying this important technology transfer is really not a full privatisation as the bid has been won by a public sector company which is already rolling in orders and still not able to keep to schedules. Instead, a private-private consortium could have may be done better and would also be in keeping with governments vision of opening up of the space sector to the Indian private sector. Dr Goenka says at INSPACE they can't differentiate between companies all are equal public or private sector. Rajeev Jyoti, Director of the Technical Directorate at IN-SPACe, provided insights into the selection process, noting the high level of technical competency demonstrated by all three bidders. He also outlined the next steps, which include a two-year hand-holding phase during which HAL will build two SSLV rockets with support from ISRO. Post this phase, HAL will independently manufacture and launch SSLV rockets. The first HAL manufactured SSLV could launch only by August 2027 as technology absorption will take that much time. B Senapati, Director of Finance at HAL, expressed pride in winning the bid and emphasised HAL's commitment to ensuring high standards of quality and reliability in small satellite launch services. He also highlighted the potential for creating new opportunities for Indian MSMEs, start-ups, and the wider industrial ecosystem. Dr D Radhakrishnan, CMD of NSIL, discussed the commercial potential of SSLV technology, noting the growing demand for small satellite launches globally. He projected that HAL could start with 6 to 8 launches per year, eventually ramping up to 10 or more. He also mentioned that NSIL is currently manufacturing 15 SSLV rockets, which will be launched before HAL's contract execution begins. In fact Dr Goenka said later this year an ISRO manufactured SSLV will carry the dreams of many small satellite owners of India and further added that a new experimental platform called SMiLE or the SSLV Module for in-LEO Experiment will help Indian start-ups utilise the potential of the SSLV as a space laboratory. Overall, the transfer of SSLV technology to HAL represents a major milestone in India's efforts to privatise albeit to a public sector company and to democratise access to space technology. It is expected to boost India's position in the global small satellite launch market and foster growth in the domestic space industry. India already has Agnikul Cosmos developing a liquid propelled rocket and Skyroot Aerospace developing a solid fuelled rocket, both have done successful sub-orbital launches. In a statement Dr DK Sunil, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), said, "In this milestone, India's national ambition takes priority. We're looking forward to working closely under ISRO and IN-SPACe's guidance to progress in phases and realise the end objectives. We're confident of steering a cohesive ecosystem that enables more small satellite launches from India's ports." In the recent past HAL has been heavily criticised for many delays of its critical projects including those on the Tejas fighter aircraft which was red flagged by the current Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, to which Mr Senapati said the aircraft and aerospace divisions are separated and the aerospace division of HAL is not overstretched and will adhere to the timelines. Only time will tell if HAL can also successfully reach outer space and if it succeeds it may get re-christened as 'Hindustan Aerospace Limited'.
United News of India
2 hours ago
- United News of India
HAL gets SSLV tech in Rs 511 crore deal
Bengaluru, June 20 (UNI) In a landmark move to bolster India's commercial space ambitions, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has formally transferred the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to aerospace and defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) under a Rs 511 crore agreement through a competitive bidding process. The deal marks the first time an Indian industry entity has been entrusted with the complete end-to-end production and commercialisation of a launch vehicle — a development hailed by Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) Chairman Dr Pawan Goenka as a "pivotal moment" in India's space sector reforms. The transfer agreement, signed between HAL, ISRO, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), and IN-SPACe, includes extensive handholding and training of HAL personnel by ISRO teams at both ISRO and HAL facilities. The roadmap envisages the realisation and launch of two SSLV missions over the next two years. "This is not merely a technology handover — it is a declaration that India is ready to democratise space access. HAL's successful bid reflects a high level of technical preparedness and capacity to absorb complex launch vehicle technology," Dr Goenka said. The SSLV, developed by ISRO, is a cost-effective launch vehicle designed to carry payloads of up to 500 kg into low-Earth orbit. It is particularly aimed at catering to the growing demand for small satellite launches, both domestically and globally. HAL emerged as the top bidder among three shortlisted contenders. The other two bids were led by Alpha Design Technologies (in consortium with Agnikul Cosmos and Walchand Industries Ltd) and Bharat Dynamics Ltd (in consortium with Skyroot Aerospace, Keltron and BHEL). The selection followed a rigorous eligibility and evaluation process conducted by IN-SPACe. According to Dr Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical Directorate), IN-SPACe, "All three bids were technically competent. HAL's proposal stood out in its comprehensiveness and readiness. ISRO will provide rigorous handholding to ensure seamless transition and mission success." NSIL Chairman and MD Radhakrishnan Durairaj said India could see up to a dozen SSLV launches annually in the near future. 'This is a major leap for Indian industry in realising indigenous launch vehicles for global clientele,' he noted. HAL CMD D K Sunil expressed confidence that the partnership with ISRO and IN-SPACe would lead to the establishment of a robust ecosystem for SSLV production and services. "This opportunity will enable HAL to fully own and operate SSLV launches, meeting global launch-on-demand requirements," he said. The development underscores the government's push to privatise and expand the space sector through public-private partnerships, targeting a projected $44 billion space economy by 2033. The SSLV transfer follows HAL's ongoing partnership with L&T for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) manufacturing and comes amid increased activity in India's launch sector, including the emergence of private players like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos. "This handover is a demonstration of intent — to make India not just a launchpad, but a global hub for small satellite launches," the government said in a statement. UNI BDN RN
The Hindu
2 hours ago
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HAL outbids Adani-backed firm to bag transfer of technology of SSLV from ISRO
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