(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) SMALL SATELLITE LAUNCH VEHICLE (SSLV)

(AUGUST-2025)

SMALL SATELLITE LAUNCH VEHICLE (SSLV)

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has bagged a Transfer of Technology (ToT) deal, from the Indian Space Research Organisation, to build and operate Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs).

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a 3 stage Launch Vehicle configured with three Solid Propulsion Stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.
SSLV is 2m in diameter and 34m in length, with a lift-off weight of ~120 tonnes.
SSLV is capable of launching a ~500kg satellite in 500km planar orbit from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
The key features of SSLV are Low cost, with low turnaround time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, Launch on demand feasibility, minimal launch infrastructure requirements, etc.

Steps by the Government to Promote Private Players in the Space Sector

The space sector has been liberalised and the private sector is allowed to carry out end-to-end space activities.
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) was created in Department of Space for promoting, authorising and overseeing the activities of Non-Government Entities (NGEs) in Space Sector.
The Indian Space Policy, 2023 has been formulated by the Government to provide regulatory certainty to space activities by various stakeholders, in order to create a thriving space ecosystem.
Various schemes to encourage and hand hold private sector also announced and implemented by IN-SPACe, i.e., Seed fund Scheme, Pricing Support Policy, Mentorship support, Technical Centre, Design Lab for NGEs, Skill Development in Space Sector, ISRO facility utilisation support, Technology Transfer to NGEs, creation of IN-SPACe Digital Platform to connect with all the stakeholders of space ecosystem etc.
The number of Space Start‑Ups have gone up, from just 1 in 2014 to around 266 as on date.
Decadal vision and strategy for Indian space economy is also announced by IN-SPACe, which shall increase the share of India in overall space economy.
The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Rs. 1,000 crore Venture Capital (VC) Fund dedicated to supporting India’s space sector.
IN-SPACe has signed around 71 MoUs with Non- Government Entities (NGEs) to provide necessary support for the realisation of space systems and applications envisaged by such NGEs, which is expected to increase the industry participation in manufacturing of launch vehicles and satellites.

Significance of the Private Sector in Indian Space

Economic Impact and Growth: The Indian space economy, currently valued at $8.4 billion, is estimated to grow to $44 billion in the next ten years. This growth is projected to occur at its current level. The private sector is seen as a critical player in realising this $44 billion target by 2033.

Private sector investment alone amounted to $12.5 billion in space companies globally in 2023.
The increased private participation is expected to attract investments and accelerate national ambitions in space.
It will also bring in more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to India.

Technological Advancement and Self-Reliance

Changed FDI norms allow big companies to invest freely and explore new technologies.
This will enable the transfer of modern technologies, moving India’s private sector towards greater self‑ reliance.
The ‘Make in India’ campaign, coupled with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, promotes domestic production by adding value through more manufacturing facilities within the country.
The private sector brings in funds and talent, helping to address issues like “brain drain”.

Global Integration and Competitiveness

Indian industries will gain a greater opportunity for integration into the global space industry, enhancing their competitiveness and market orientation.
The move towards private sector involvement places India in the same league as major spacefaring nations internationally.
It signals a powerful message of India’s growing market space and its intent to advance in crucial sectors.