The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has bagged a Transfer of Technology (ToT) deal, valued at ₹511 crore, from the Indian Space Research Organisation, to construct and function Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs).
The SSLV is a three-stage car to launch satellites that weigh lower than 500 kg into the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO). The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) on Friday introduced the HAL because the successful bidder amongst three shortlisted bidders. The deal will allow commercialisation of SSLV launches.
Other contenders
Apart from the HAL, which had utilized independently, two different technically certified bidders have been shortlisted: Alpha Design Technologies Ltd., Bengaluru, main a consortium with Agnikul Cosmos and Walchand Industries Ltd.; and Bharat Dynamics Ltd., Hyderabad, main a consortium with Skyroot Aerospace, Keltron and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). Among the three, HAL emerged as the best bidder.
Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, introduced the winner. “The HAL will be giving ₹511 crore. It is a phased payment that will be done with some amount at the time of signing the contract and the remaining coming over a period of two years. The ToT phase will take two years and during these two years, the HAL will make at least two SSLV rockets with complete help and handholding from the ISRO and after two years, they will be on their own. So during the two years, they will draw all the technology and take it from there,” Dr. Goenka stated.
Rigorous analysis
IN-SPACe stated the bidding course of concerned a rigorous eligibility and analysis framework.
“A thorough evaluation process was followed, with various technology and financial readiness levels under review. The process, which continued for several months, culminated in the financial bid evaluation, where the HAL emerged as the highest bidder to acquire and operationalise SSLV technology,” the IN-SPACe stated.
The ToT Agreement shall be signed amongst HAL, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO, and IN-SPACe. The settlement encompasses in depth coaching and handholding of HAL personnel by ISRO groups, each at ISRO and HAL services, for the realisation and launch of two SSLVs within the subsequent two years.
“The launch vehicle system, being multidisciplinary in nature, would require the winning entity, HAL, to undergo rigorous handholding and training under ISRO at both ISRO’s and the entity’s facilities. This is aimed at realising the projected launch of two SSLVs from an Indian launch port,” Rajeev Jyoti, Director, Technical Directorate, IN-SPACe, stated.
Barenya Senapati, Director (Finance), HAL stated that the PSU intends to construct six to 12 SSLVs per 12 months throughout the manufacturing section and that it might ramp up based mostly on demand and requirement.
Space launch legal responsibility
To a query on who will take the legal responsibility of a privately manufactured SSLV, Dr. Goenka stated the state (Government of India) has the accountability. “It is an international rule and not something India or the HAL or IN-SPACe can decide. Now, it is up to the Indian government to decide how much of that liability they keep on themselves and how much they pass on to the owner and launcher of the vehicle. As per the contract we will have, the HAL will follow whatever is the law of the land.”
“We will come out with a decision on how the launch liability will be shared between the owner of the rocket and the Government of India,” he added.
