SSLV now a 'private' rocket: Technology transferred to HAL for Rs 511 crore

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The technology for manufacturing the small launch vehicle SSLV developed by ISRO has been transferred to the public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru. The transfer is for Rs 511 crore. The SSLV will be built by a consortium led by HAL and including private entrepreneurs. The first rocket will be launched in 2027.

This is the rocket with the highest commercial potential. It does not take much time to build. Suitable for small launches. It can be launched at a low cost. The launch can be done at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota or at the new space centre in Kulasekharapatnam, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The cost of this should be paid separately to ISRO. The target is to launch eight rockets per year.

This is the major technology transfer after the Indian space research and launch sector was opened up to the private sector. There were also consortia including some other public sector entities in the field to acquire the technology. The factors that favoured HAL were that it offered the highest amount, had manufactured various parts of the rockets for ISRO, and had experience in manufacturing PSLV in the PPP model.

From manufacturing to sales

• HAL will be responsible for manufacturing, launching and selling the rocket to other countries.

• ISRO will train HAL engineers. It will also supervise the manufacturing of the first rocket

Small launch vehicle

The SSLV is the shortest-range and lightest of ISRO's rockets. It can carry 500 kg to low Earth orbit and 300 kg to the sun-synchronous orbit just above. Solid fuel only. Three-stage engines. Satellites can be placed in different orbits in a single launch. It can also carry more than one satellite.

Technology transfer amount: 511 crore

Rocket development cost: 169.5 crore

Cost of launching a rocket: 35 crore