Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has won the bid for the transfer of technology (ToT) of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), a key Isro project designed to rapidly launch payloads of up to 500 kg into low Earth orbit.Announcing the decision at a virtual press conference on Thursday, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) Chairman Pawan Goenka said HAL was selected over two competing consortia—one led by Alpha Design Technologies (backed by Adani Defence Systems and Technologies) and another by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), PTI reported.“Isro will handhold HAL for two years, during which it must produce two SSLVs using the current design and supplier ecosystem. From the third rocket onwards, HAL will be free to enhance the design and onboard its own vendors,” Goenka said.The Bengaluru-based PSU described the win as a major achievement. “It is a matter of pride for HAL to be entrusted with manufacturing SSLVs,” said B Senapati, Director (Finance) at HAL.The SSLV, a three-stage vehicle powered entirely by solid propellants with a liquid-fuelled terminal stage (Velocity Trimming Module), has been developed to enable quick-response satellite launches—a critical capability for defence and commercial purposes.Designed for low cost, fast turnaround, and minimal infrastructure, SSLV offers flexibility in payload configurations and launch-on-demand feasibility. It can deliver satellites between 10 kg and 500 kg into 500 km circular orbits, with deployment possible at short notice, making it ideal for rapid mission readiness.