What is India’s SSLV?

The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) represents a significant advancement in India’s space launch capabilities, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to cater to the growing demand for launching small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) and Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). With a focus on cost-effectiveness, rapid turnaround, and minimal infrastructure requirements, the SSLV is designed to serve commercial, academic, and strategic needs, both domestically and internationally. As of July 2025, the SSLV’s development is complete, and it is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s space ambitions and the global small satellite launch market.

The SSLV’s journey began in 2015 when Rajaram Nagappa proposed the need for a dedicated small satellite launch vehicle, perceiving an increasing demand for launching satellites weighing less than 500 kg. By 2016, ISRO had acknowledged the project, and by November 2017, development was officially underway, with the design finalized by December 2018. Early testing included a static fire test in March 2021, which failed, but a successful second test in March 2022 paved the way for the vehicle’s first flight.

The maiden flight, SSLV-D1, launched on August 7, 2022, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, carrying the Earth Observation Satellite-02 (EOS-02, 135 kg) and the student-built AzaadiSAT (8 kg). However, due to a software malfunction, the mission failed to achieve the intended 356 km circular orbit, instead placing the satellites into a highly elliptical 356 km x 76 km orbit. This setback was overcome with the second development flight, SSLV-D2, on February 10, 2023, which successfully placed three satellites—EOS-07 (156.3 kg), Janus-1 (10.2 kg), and AzaadiSAT-2 (8.7 kg)—into a 450 km orbit. The third and final development flight, SSLV-D3, launched on August 16, 2024, successfully deployed the EOS-08 satellite into a 475 km orbit, marking the completion of the SSLV’s development phase. Overall, the 2020s saw 2 successful launches, 0 partial successes, and 1 failure, totaling 3 launches.

The SSLV’s development is complete, and ISRO is actively transferring its technology to the Indian private sector for serial production. The vehicle is now under the management of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and a consortium of Indian companies, which will oversee mass production and launch operations. The SSLV is designed to be highly cost-effective, with a development cost of ₹169.07 crore (approximately US$23 million) and a manufacturing cost per launch estimated at ₹30-35 crore (US$3.6-4.2 million). It can carry a payload of 500 kg to a 500 km LEO or 300 kg to a 500 km SSO, with the added capability of multi-orbital drop-offs. Its launch readiness period is less than a week, requiring minimal infrastructure and a small team of about six people, making it ideal for launch-on-demand missions.

A significant milestone in the SSLV’s commercialization occurred in June 2025 when Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was awarded a contract worth ₹5.1 billion (US$59 million) to manufacture SSLVs. This two-year technology transfer agreement will enable HAL to produce the rockets, with the first prototypes expected to be built soon. Additionally, six other companies are acquiring SSLV technology, and at least ten companies, including private players like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos, have expressed interest in manufacturing the vehicle, reflecting strong industry support. The bidding process for commercialization began in February 2025, with HAL securing the contract, highlighting India’s push toward privatizing space launch activities.

Looking ahead, the SSLV is set to become a cornerstone of India’s space launch capabilities. With technology transfer to the private sector, serial production is expected to begin, enabling regular operational flights. The SSLV Launch Complex in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, is currently under construction, with work beginning in March 2025. This dedicated launch site, spanning 9.5 square kilometers, is expected to be operational by 2026, providing a dedicated facility for SSLV missions and reducing dependency on existing launch pads.

Future plans for the SSLV include fine-tuning its Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) stage for more precise satellite injections and exploring upgrades to increase payload capacity, enhance reusability, and incorporate electric propulsion. These advancements will strengthen India’s position in the global small satellite launch market, attracting commercial customers, academic institutions, and technology demonstrators. The SSLV’s low cost and rapid turnaround time make it particularly attractive for launching small satellite constellations, serving the needs of developing nations, universities, and private firms.

To provide a clearer picture, below is a table summarizing the SSLV’s key specifications compared to ISRO’s other launch vehicles, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV):

This table highlights the SSLV’s niche as a cost-effective, quick-turnaround option for small satellites, complementing ISRO’s larger launch vehicles.

The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) represents a significant achievement in India’s space program. From its initial proposal in 2015 to its successful third development flight in 2024, the SSLV has overcome initial challenges to become a reliable and cost-effective launch vehicle for small satellites. With its development complete and technology being transferred to the private sector, the SSLV is set for operational flights and commercialization. The upcoming SSLV Launch Complex and ongoing efforts to enhance its capabilities underscore India’s commitment to advancing its space industry and capturing a larger share of the global small satellite launch market, estimated to grow significantly in the coming decade. This development not only strengthens India’s space capabilities but also fosters innovation and collaboration within the private sector, aligning with global trends toward commercial space exploration.