ISRO Opens Doors for SSLV Manufacturing: Industry Interest Soars

Over 10 companies and consortia are keen on manufacturing the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). ISRO Chairman S Somanath stated that potential bidders for technology transfer have been shortlisted. The chosen partner will initially collaborate with ISRO before independently building SSLVs. A technology transfer fee will apply.

More than 10 companies and consortia have expressed interest in manufacturing the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), with several being shortlisted as potential bidders for the technology transfer, according to ISRO Chairman S Somanath on Tuesday.

He mentioned that the selected industry partner will initially develop two SSLVs with ISRO's assistance over a span of two years before independently producing rockets to place small satellites in low earth orbits.

"More than 100 groups/consortia had come forward and showed interest in technology transfer for the SSLV," he told reporters at an event organized by the AICTE and Indian Space Association.

Somanath noted that IN-SPACe had held a one-day interaction with industry players to understand potential issues related to technology transfer and their expectations from ISRO.

Several companies/consortia have already taken the Request for Proposals (RFP) documents for the SSLV technology transfer.

The selected company or consortium can continue to build the rocket at ISRO facilities until they develop their own manufacturing campus.

After the third development flight of the SSLV on August 16, Somanath declared the development of the launch vehicle complete, paving the way for its transfer to the industry for mass production.

"We are not just transferring manufacturing technology but also imparting the knowledge of how things are done. They need to collaborate with ISRO to learn the techniques required for building the rocket," he said.

"We will evaluate various criteria, including manufacturing capabilities, facilities, and financial strength. A technology transfer fee will be applicable," Somanath added.