HAL to Produce, Operate ISRO's SSLV After ₹511 Cr Bid Win.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully secured the bid for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) program, marking a significant stride towards the privatization of India's burgeoning space sector. The aerospace giant will invest ₹511 crore to take over the SSLV from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), a move facilitated by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).

HAL emerged as the top contender among three shortlisted bidders, which also included Adani-backed Alpha Design and Bharat Dynamics Ltd.

This acquisition represents a landmark moment as HAL, a public-sector aerospace company, will for the first time assume full commercial and technical control of a launch vehicle developed by ISRO. With the Transfer of Technology (TOT), HAL will become the exclusive owner, operator, and marketer of the SSLV program.

ISRO will provide two years of crucial hand-holding support to HAL. This will include comprehensive guidance on design, assistance with sourcing, and expertise in systems integration. Following this two-year transition period, HAL will gain complete autonomy, with the authority to modify the SSLV's design, select its own suppliers, and assume full liability for the vehicle and all its operational aspects.