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HAL Becomes India’s Third Rocket Manufacturer After Securing ₹511 Crore ToT Deal from ISRO to Build and Operate SSLV.

Science and Technology | Dated: 24 Jun 2025

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Defence PSU based in Bengaluru, has received a ₹511 crore Transfer of Technology (ToT) contract from ISRO to build and operate the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), making HAL India’s third rocket manufacturing entity.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - With this agreement, HAL becomes the third Indian rocket producer after private firms Skyroot Aerospace (Telangana) and Agnikul Cosmos (Tamil Nadu). The deal signifies the first-ever complete rocket technology transfer by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to an Indian company, marking a strategic milestone in India’s space manufacturing capabilities.
  • - The ₹511 crore ToT agreement allows HAL to take full control of SSLV design, manufacturing, integration, and launch operations. The selection was made by a three-member expert committee led by former Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Vijay Raghavan and ex-ISRO Director Suresh, with HAL emerging as the top bidder.
  • - Under this deal, ISRO will train HAL over the next two years in technical know-how, post which HAL will independently manufacture and operate between 6–12 SSLVs annually. This phased transition plan ensures sustainable knowledge transfer and capacity building within the public sector.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Commercial operations for SSLV launches will be handled by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm. Regulatory approvals and launch authorization will be overseen by IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre), based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
  • (ii) The SSLV is a three-stage solid-fuel vehicle with a length of 34 meters and diameter of 2 meters. It is capable of launching up to 500 kilograms of payload to a 500-km Low Earth Orbit (LEO), making it suitable for quick-turnaround missions, space startups, and small satellite launches.
  • (iii) This collaboration is expected to bolster India's space economy, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. By enabling a public-sector entity like HAL to produce launch vehicles, India strengthens its self-reliance in space tech and diversifies its launch capabilities beyond ISRO and private startups.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which Indian public sector company has recently become the third rocket manufacturer in India?

Correct Answer: HAL

🚀 Quick Recap:

About HAL

  • Chairman and Managing Director (CMD): Dr. D.K. Sunil
  • Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka