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NDTV
4 hours ago
- Business
- 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
5 hours ago
- Business
- 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
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
HAL outbids Adani-backed firm to bag transfer of technology of SSLV from ISRO
In a significant milestone, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was on Friday declared the winner of the bid for the transfer of technology of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), the ISRO's rocket to place satellites up to 500 kg in low-earth orbit, edging out two consortia, including one led by a defence manufacturer backed by the Adani Group. Fighter jet manufacturer HAL was the standalone bidder for the coveted contract to build the ISRO-designed rocket and was pitted against the two consortia -- one led by Alpha Design Technologies, backed by the Adani Group, and the other led by Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Limited. HAL presented the winning bid of ₹511 crore to emerge as the sole manufacturer of the SSLV after the completion of the process of transfer of technology that is expected to take place over the next two years. "Under this technology-transfer agreement, HAL will have the capability to independently build, own and commercialise SSLV launches," Pawan Kumar Goenka, chairman, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (INSPACe), told a press conference here. HAL will be the third company to build rockets after space sector start-ups Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos. Mr. Goenka said nine companies had evinced interest in the transfer of technology of the SSLV, of which three were rejected. Of the remaining six, three chose not to apply. "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," he said. Mr. Goenka said the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will handhold HAL and assist it in building two prototype rockets over the next two years. After that, the state-owned company is expected to independently produce six to 10 SSLVs every year, depending on the demand. "HAL will be free to improve on the design and select its own vendors from the third rocket after the two-year period," Mr. Goenka said. The SSLV was developed by the ISRO to launch small satellites into low-earth orbit at a shorter notice, a capability required by the defence forces in times of emergencies. "This collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening India's commercial satellite-launch capabilities and more specifically, in enabling Indian industry in realising this SSLV," Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director of New Space India Limited (NSIL), said. The move is part of efforts to allow the ISRO to focus more on research and hive off the routine activities of launching satellites, using proven launch vehicles to the industry. "We are looking forward to working closely under the ISRO and IN-SPACe's guidance to progress in phases and realise the end objectives. We are confident of steering a cohesive ecosystem that enables more small satellite launches from India's ports," D K Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, said. The technology-transfer agreement will be signed among HAL, NSIL, ISRO and IN-SPACe. The agreement encompasses extensive training and handholding of HAL personnel by ISRO teams, both at ISRO and HAL facilities, for the realisation and launch of two SSLVs in the next two years.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
HAL bags Rs 511 crore deal to acquire ISRO's SSLV rocket tech
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has emerged as the winning bidder for the transfer of Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV) technology, marking one of the most significant technology transfers from the space agency to a commercial entity. The deal is worth Rs 511 crore. Under the agreement, HAL will independently build, own, and operate SSLV rockets, with ISRO providing training and handholding for two missions over the next two years, the space regulator and promoter, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), announced on Friday. Among the three bidders, the public sector undertaking (PSU) HAL's standalone bid beat the Adani-backed Alpha Design Technologies consortium, comprising Agnikul Cosmos and Walchand Industries. The second consortium was led by Bharat Dynamics along with Skyroot Aerospace, Keltron, and BHEL to win the ₹511-crore tender. 'This is one of the first instances of a space agency transferring complete launch vehicle technology to a company. Under this transfer agreement, HAL will have the capability to independently build, own, and commercialise SSLV launches,' said Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe. HAL aims to manufacture 6-8 SSLV rockets per year, depending on demand, and is expected to generate about $6.5 million in revenue per launch. SSLV is a three-stage, solid-propulsion rocket by ISRO to launch small satellites of about 500 kg into a 500 km orbit. It's designed to be cost-effective and flexible, offering launch-on-demand capabilities with reduced turnaround times. 'The system is multidisciplinary in nature and will require rigorous training of HAL personnel at both ISRO and HAL sites,' said Rajeev Jyoti, director, technical directorate at IN-SPACe. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories IN-SPACe added that a rigorous eligibility and evaluation framework was followed. 'The process, which continued for several months, culminated in the financial bid evaluation, where HAL emerged as the highest bidder to acquire and operationalise SSLV technology ,' it said in a statement. The SSLV technology transfer will be formalised through an agreement involving HAL, ISRO, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and IN-SPACe. HAL's director finance Barenya Senapati said winning the bid was in line with HAL's larger goal of entering the space sector in a bigger way than it has been doing in the past. He added that the new portfolio will not affect its current operations. HAL and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) are already jointly building ISRO's trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV) rockets under a contract with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). The contract for five PSLV rockets is worth Rs 860 crore, that is, each PSLV rocket costs approximately Rs 172 crore to build. Following the announcement of the winning bid, shares of HAL settled 1.18% higher at Rs 4,960 on Friday.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
10 Indian-origin people who have been part of NASA and its programmes
Image credit: X As India's space program grows stronger with ISRO 's steady achievements, Indians and people of Indian-origin are also making their mark at NASA . From flying missions to leading important research in orbit and on Earth, they have played key roles in many of NASA's major projects. Here's a look at 10 Indian and Indian-origin professionals who have helped shape NASA's success. Kalpana Chawla Kalpana Chawla, an astronaut at NASA, made history in 1997 as the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space. She flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-87) and again on its final mission (STS-107) in 2003, when the shuttle tragically broke apart during re-entry. Even after her heartbreaking loss, Chawla's legacy continues to inspire students across India and around the world. Sunita Williams Sunita (Suni) L. Williams is a NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy officer of Indian-Slovenian origin who has had a remarkable career in space. Picked by NASA in 1998, she has flown on three missions– Expeditions 14/15, 32/33, and 71/72– and spent 608 days in space. She also holds the record for most spacewalk time by a female astronaut at 62 hours and 6 minutes. In June 2024, she led Boeing's Starliner crewed test flight and, after some technical issues, stayed on the International Space Station before returning home on SpaceX's Crew-9 Dragon in March 2025. Dr. Sharmila Bhattacharya Dr. Bhattacharya, a senior researcher at NASA's Ames Research Centre, is a leading scientist who heads the Space Biosciences division. Her work explores how spaceflight impacts biological systems, particularly immune responses and the effects of radiation, providing critical insights for long-duration human missions. Manisha Ganeshan Dr. Ganeshan studies the planetary boundary layer (PBL) in polar regions using satellite and on-site data. With 10 years of experience using GNSS RO satellites, she provides important data that NASA relies on. Named a Fellow of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) in 2017, she also works with NASA Goddard's Global Modeling and Data Assimilation office to improve GEOS models and help predict Polar Lows and tropical cyclones. Swarupa Nune With a background in visual storytelling, Swarupa Nune is a video producer at NASA Goddard who brings climate science and space exploration to life. She has created multimedia features and unique projects, including orchestral collaborations that pair NASA satellite imagery with classical music, helping audiences connect with complex science in creative, engaging ways. Mamta Patel Nagaraja Mamta's career at NASA bridges technical expertise and public outreach. Now serving as Associate Chief Scientist for Exploration and Applied Research at NASA Headquarters, she began her career as an engineer, supporting lunar and planetary missions before moving into leadership and communication roles that help connect NASA's work with a wider audience. Narayanan Ramachandran Ramachandran, a seasoned aerospace engineer at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Centre, supports Jacobs Technology and plays a key role in the Space Launch System (SLS), with a particular focus on diffuser velocity testing for engine systems. Raja Chari Born to an Indian father and raised in Iowa, Raja Chari is an astronaut at NASA who was selected in 2017. In 2021–22, he commanded SpaceX Crew-3 and spent over 170 days aboard the ISS, and he's also part of NASA's Artemis Team, training for future Moon missions. Dr. Kamlesh Lulla Dr. Lulla is a veteran Earth scientist at NASA Johnson Space Centre who has built a long career as Chief Scientist for Earth Observations. Known for his expertise in remote sensing, he has advanced space-based land-use research and helped shape tools for disaster management and environmental monitoring. Dr. Ashwin Vasavada Dr. Vasavada is a planetary scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Project Scientist for the Curiosity Mars Rover. He has led key operations studying Mars' climate and geology, helping scientists better understand the planet's history and its potential to have supported life in the past.
