Why in News
- ISRO signed a formal agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) for transfer of technology (ToT) for Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs).
- Agreement signed in Bengaluru with participation of ISRO, NSIL, IN-SPACe, and HAL.
- Marks the 100th ToT facilitated by IN-SPACe.
- HAL outbid Adani-backed Alpha Design consortium.
Relevance:
- GS III – Science & Technology: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) tech, private sector participation, space tech commercialization.
- GS III – Economy: Boost to indigenous manufacturing, export potential, Atmanirbhar Bharat in high-tech sectors.
Basics
- SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle):
- Designed for launching satellites up to 500 kg to LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and 300 kg to Sun-synchronous Orbit.
- Quick turnaround time, minimal infrastructure, and cost-effective for frequent launches.
- IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre): Nodal body promoting private participation in India’s space sector.
- NSIL (NewSpace India Ltd.): ISRO’s commercial arm handling technology transfer and satellite launch services.
- HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.): India’s premier aerospace PSU, now expanding into space sector manufacturing.
Overview
- Strategic Significance
- Strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat by enabling HAL to independently build SSLVs.
- First step in large-scale industry participation in India’s launch vehicle ecosystem.
- Positions India to capture the growing global small-satellite launch market.
- Economic & Commercial Dimension
- Growing demand from startups, universities, and global players for small satellite launches.
- SSLV production by HAL ensures cost-competitive, high-frequency launches.
- Enhances India’s export potential in space technology.
- Institutional Dimension
- Reflects effective coordination between ISRO, NSIL, IN-SPACe, and HAL.
- Demonstrates maturity of public-private partnership in India’s space sector.
- 100th ToT milestone shows scaling up of technology diffusion beyond ISRO.
- Technological Dimension
- ToT includes design, training, and know-how transfer within 24 months.
- HAL to gain capability to independently produce SSLVs after ISRO’s training support.
- Ensures faster turnaround and reduced reliance on ISRO for smaller payloads.
- Geopolitical Angle
- Boosts India’s competitiveness in the $10+ billion small satellite launch market.
- Strengthens India’s image as a reliable launch provider for Global South and beyond.
- Challenges
- Need for HAL to scale up quickly to match private sector agility.
- Ensuring global competitiveness amid rivals like SpaceX (rideshare), Rocket Lab (Electron), and China’s state-backed launchers.
- Balancing commercialisation with national security priorities.
