Source: TOI
Context: For the first time, ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology will be fully transferred to an Indian firm — HAL, which will own, build, market, and operate the rocket.
About SSLV Technology Transfer:
- What It Is?
- Full Transfer of Technology (ToT) for ISRO’s SSLV, enabling an Indian firm to independently build and commercialize the rocket.
- Parties Involved: ISRO, IN-SPACe (space sector regulator), NSIL (commercial arm), HAL (recipient).
- Awarded By: IN-SPACe, after a two-stage national bidding process and HAL won with a ₹511 crore bid.
- Objective: Strengthen private participation in space, enable commercial launch services, reduce dependency on ISRO for small satellite launches.
- Features:
- HAL will own the SSLV and can modify its design.
- Full production capability — 6 to 10 rockets per year.
- Initial ToT period: 2 years with ISRO handholding.
- HAL will independently handle future launches post-ToT.
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):
- What It Is?
- India’s largest aerospace and defence PSU — a pioneer in aircraft and aerospace systems.
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Established: 23 December 1940, originally as Hindustan Aircraft Limited.
- Ministry: Under Ministry of Defence, Govt of India.
- Objective: Design, develop, manufacture, maintain aircraft, helicopters, engines, avionics, and space components.
- Key Features:
- 85+ years of contribution to India’s aerospace growth.
- First Indian firm to manufacture MiG-21, Jaguar, SU-30MKI, LCA Tejas.
- Active in space systems — supplies structures for GSLV Mk-III, Mars Mission, Human Spaceflight.
- Partner to ISRO for cryogenic engines & aerospace launch vehicle structures.
- Multiple divisions across India in aircraft, helicopters, avionics, composites, MRO, and space.
- Publicly listed on BSE and NSE since 2018.
