HAL becomes India’s third rocket manufacturing company: Now it will make Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, the company won the contract by bidding ₹511 crore
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has won the contract to make India’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). HAL has been given this contract by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe).
With the receipt of this contract, HAL has become India’s third rocket manufacturing company. Earlier, only startups like Skyroot Aerospace (Hyderabad) and Agnikul Cosmos (Chennai) were engaged in making rockets.
How did HAL get the contract?
Bengaluru-based company HAL has won this contract by bidding Rs 511 crore. Bengaluru-based Alpha Design and Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) were also in the race to get this contract. HAL will pay a part of Rs 511 crore at the time of signing the contract, the remaining payment will be made in two years.
In the first phase, six out of nine companies were selected for the contract and then in the second phase HAL, Alpha Design and BDL were finalised. After this, a committee of experts chose HAL as the winner. Former Principal Scientific Advisor Vijay Raghavan was also included in this committee.
What will HAL do next?
For the next two years, ISRO will transfer the technology of SSLV to HAL. During this time HAL will have to make two prototype rockets and use ISRO’s supply chain. However, HAL cannot make any changes in its design.
However, after two years HAL can choose its own supply chain and take advice from ISRO in improving the design. The company’s target is to make 6 to 12 SSLV rockets every year, which will depend on the market demand.
What is SSLV?
Small Satellite Launch Vehicle i.e. SSLV is a small rocket, which can carry satellites weighing up to 500 kg to a low-earth orbit of 400-500 km. This rocket is low cost and allows quick launch, which is very useful for small satellites.
Why special for India?
This contract is a big step towards increasing the participation of private companies in India’s space sector. India currently has only 2% share in the global space economy, but the target is to take it to 44 billion dollars i.e. 3.81 lakh crores rupees by the next decade. This move of HAL will help India strengthen itself at the global level in small satellite launch.
Achievement of HAL
HAL already manufactures defense products like fighter jets and helicopters. Now with SSLV, the company is also making its place in the space sector. This step is a new beginning not only for HAL, but also for India’s space sector, which will further strengthen private and government cooperation.
