Newsletter
Hindustan Aeronautics, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), NewSpace India (NSIL), and ISRO have signed a technology transfer agreement for Small Satellite Launch Vehicle.
What’s brewing: the SSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle designed to carry satellites weighing under 500 kg into the orbit. Under the contract, HAL will absorb the technology in the first two years, followed by a 10-year production phase.
HAL has got permission to use SSLV technology, which includes everything from designing and building the rockets to launching them, checking results, training teams, and providing support. HAL will also handle producing these rockets in large numbers for India and other countries.
Why it matters: the agreement aligns with HAL's long-term strategy to establish a dedicated space vertical, allowing the company to build, own, and operate the launch vehicle independently.
This partnership will open up new opportunities for Indian small businesses and startups. It also puts HAL at the center of the growing small satellite market, which includes uses like communication, earth observation, and navigation.
Not stopping there: the company has hit another milestone with its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A fighter jet. It recently got the third GE-404 engine from the US, showing steady progress in building the aircraft. The LCA Mark-1A is an improved version of India’s homegrown Tejas fighter jet. These engines will make the jet perform better, and this step also helps HAL boost India’s defence manufacturing and rely less on imports.
