spacetoday.net: Indian government selects HAL to commercialize SSLV rocket

Posted: Sat, Jun 21, 2025, 8:32 AM ET (1232 GMT)
SSLV liftoff on second mission (ISRO)

The Indian government has selected a company to take over production and operations of a small launch vehicle. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre said Friday it will work with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to privatize the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), with the company ultimately responsible for manufacturing and launching the rocket as well as marketing it to customers. The Indian space agency ISRO will work with HAL on technology transfer, including support for the first two SSLV rockets HAL will produce before the company takes full control. SSLV is designed to place up to 500 kilograms into low Earth orbit but has launched only three times, including a failed inaugural launch in 2022.