Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), based in Bengaluru, has secured a major Rs 5.11 billion contract to develop India’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), following a two-stage techno-commercial bidding process. The announcement was made jointly by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

With this win, HAL becomes India’s third rocket manufacturer, following private space tech firms Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos. Under the new mandate, HAL is expected to produce between six and twelve SSLV rockets per year.

According to IN-SPACe chairman Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, the project will begin with HAL building two SSLV prototypes over the next two years, during which ISRO will transfer the required technology. HAL emerged as the highest bidder at Rs 5.11 billion, beating out two other consortiums led by Alpha Design (Bengaluru) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (Hyderabad).

The competitive selection process initially shortlisted six firms, narrowing down to three for the final evaluation. The expert selection committee included prominent figures such as former Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Dr. Vijay Raghavan.

During the initial development phase, HAL is required to use ISRO’s existing supply chain and adhere strictly to the original SSLV design. After this period, the company will have the autonomy to choose its own vendors and incorporate design enhancements under ISRO’s advisory oversight.

Dr. Goenka noted the possibility of design improvements to make the SSLV more efficient and cost-effective. HAL will make an upfront payment from its Rs 5.11 billion bid at the time of signing the contract, with the balance to be paid in instalments over the two-year development period.

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A HAL representative confirmed the firm’s intent to offer competitively priced satellite launch services once operational but did not disclose specific pricing. The development of SSLVs by HAL is expected to bolster India's small satellite launch capacity and help meet the growing global demand for low-cost, on-demand orbital access.