HAL Secures ISRO’s SSLV Tech in Major Space Sector Shake-Up

In a historic development for India’s space industry, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has announced Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the recipient of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology from ISRO. Emerging as the winning bidder among three shortlisted bidders, this transition marks one of the most comprehensive technology transfers from ISRO, facilitated by IN-SPACe, to an Indian commercial entity to date.

The process involved a rigorous eligibility and evaluation framework. After careful scrutiny, three technically qualified bidders were shortlisted: 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).

A thorough evaluation process was followed, with various technology and financial readiness levels under review. The process, which continued for several months, culminated in the financial bid evaluation, where HAL emerged as the highest bidder to acquire and operationalize SSLV technology.

On the milestone, 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.”

The Technology Transfer Agreement will be signed among HAL, NewSpace India Limited (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 realization and launch of two SSLVs in the next two years.

Mr. Rajeev Jyoti, Director, Technical Directorate, IN-SPACe, said, “The three bidders demonstrated a high level of technical competency to absorb the technology, and we appreciate the earnest effort put in by all three bidders in providing extensive documentation in support of the technical evaluation criteria. The launch vehicle system, being multi-disciplinary in nature, would require the winning entity – HAL – to undergo rigorous handholding and training under ISRO at both ISRO’s and the entity’s facilities. This is aimed at realizing the projected launch of two SSLVs from an Indian launch port. We’re looking at completing this entire process within two years from the date of signing the Technology Transfer Agreement.”

Shri Radhakrishnan Durairaj, CMD, NSIL, said, "We are pleased to be part of this SSLV technology transfer process that would enable HAL to develop this launch vehicle that would cater to launch on-demand needs of global small satellite customer needs. 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.”

On winning the bid, Dr. D.K. 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 realize the end objectives. We’re confident of steering a cohesive ecosystem that enables more small satellite launches from India’s ports.”

This development reinforces India's commitment to privatizing and democratizing access to space technology, empowering Indian industry to play a leading role in space manufacturing and increasing small satellite launches.

T-Hub and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Join Forces to Support Startups in the Aerospace and Defence Composite Market

Indian startups benefit from innovative partnerships offering capital, mentorship, and guidance.

T-Hub to grant HAL access to cutting-edge startups in the Aerospace & Defence industry.

T-Hub, which leads India’s pioneering innovation ecosystem has announced a strategic partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a leading aerospace company. This collaboration aims to support startups in the Aerospace sector, and both organisations have formalised their alliance by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a two-year term. This collaboration aims to support startups in the aerospace and defence composite market, which is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1 percent from 2021 to 2027, according to Statista.

To keep up with the increasing demand and stay ahead in the market, innovation is a crucial component of growth. The partnership between T-Hub and HAL will offer industry expertise, resources, and access to markets, providing startups with the necessary tools to develop and scale their technologies.

HAL will assist startups in building Proof of Concepts (PoC), giving them the opportunity to gain valuable industry expertise and support to bring their ideas to fruition. Meanwhile, T-Hub will provide access to a diverse network of startups with expertise in niche technological areas, as well as mentorship, training, and support services to help startups succeed.

On this strategic partnership, MSR, CEO, T-HUB, said, “We are very excited to partner with HAL Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) to support startups in the aerospace sector. By leveraging HAL's expertise and T-Hub's resources, startups can gain valuable support and guidance to bring their ideas to market. This can include access to specialized facilities and equipment, guidance on industry best practices, and opportunities for collaboration and co-innovation. We are hopeful that our partnership will foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India's aerospace sector, driving growth and creating new opportunities for startups.”

Dr D K Sunil, Director (Engineering, R&D), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited said “India has a strong innovation ecosystem. Innovation workshops, startup interactions, and a proper and timely mentoring will serve as a great opportunity for these upcoming technology-driven startups to find their momentum and accelerate in the right direction. We are delighted to be associated with such an initiative and also anticipating that this partnership will help the country and HAL in particular to achieve self-reliance in cutting edge defence technologies in line with GOI’s Atmanirbar campaign”.

HAL has instituted a funding mechanism wherein 2% of the operating profit after tax is exclusively earmarked for startup engagement. As part of its efforts towards the Government of India's Atmanirbar campaign, HAL is also focusing on research and development, indigenization, and startup corpus.

The partnership with T-Hub is a positive step towards leveraging the strengths of established companies and startup ecosystems to drive innovation and accelerate development in niche technological areas. T-Hub's programs have successfully scaled startups in partnership with a robust ecosystem of partners. To date, T-Hub has impacted more than 2,000 companies through a variety of programs and initiatives. The organization has over 600 international and domestic business partners and 2,000 mentor connections to support the scaling of startups.

ABOUT T-HUB

T-Hub (Technology Hub) is an innovation hub and ecosystem enabler. Based out of Hyderabad, India, T-Hub leads India’s pioneering innovation ecosystem and is the world’s largest innovation campus. Over the six years, T-Hub has pivoted around the 6Ms (Mentorship, Money, Market Access, Motivation, Mindset, Manpower) and 2Ps (Partnerships & Policy advisory) framework with a mission of driving results and collaboration for entrepreneurs’ success. It has delivered 100+ innovation programs so far, creating an impact for startups, corporations, and other innovation ecosystem stakeholders. Since inception, it has provided over 2000 national and international startups with access to better technology, talent, mentors, customers, corporates, investors, and government agencies.

About HAL:

HAL, a premier and leading aerospace company is involved in design, development, manufacture, supply and maintenance of aircraft, helicopters, aerospace equipment, engines and accessories. Established on 23 December 1940, HAL is one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defence manufacturers in the world.