Archive · 8 Aug 2025
India's SSLV Rocket: Has the Small Satellite Launcher Found Its Market?
Imagine India built a small rocket, the SSLV, to launch small satellites.
It's like a small car compared to bigger rockets.
It had a rocky start, failing its first launch, but it has had two successful launches since.
While it has some advantages like being assembled quickly, it hasn't been used much.
The problem is that other rockets, like SpaceX's, are cheaper.
The Indian government is now handing over the SSLV to another company, HAL, hoping they can make it a success.
They are hoping to launch more in the future, including a satellite from Australia.
India's SSLV rocket, designed for small satellite launches, has only flown three times in three years.
The SSLV's first launch failed, but the subsequent two were successful, giving it a 66% success rate.
ISRO's rockets are not cost-competitive compared to SpaceX, the market leader.
HAL is now taking ownership of the SSLV, which it will build, market, and operate.
Future launches are projected, with a possible launch of an Australian satellite in 2026.
- Who
- Built by ISRO and now owned by HAL.
- What
- India's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) rocket.
- When
- Launched for the first time on August 7th, 2022.
- Where
- From the Indian spaceport in Sriharikota.
- Why
- Designed to launch small satellites, but is struggling to compete commercially.
ISRO and Indian Government
SpaceX and Satellite Companies
Cost Competitiveness
ISRO and Indian Government
Believes the SSLV is a crucial, strategic asset for India.
SpaceX and Satellite Companies
Industry experts argue that SpaceX rockets are cheaper and preferred by commercial customers.
Commercial Viability
ISRO and Indian Government
Hopes for the SSLV as a source of revenue for the Indian government.
SpaceX and Satellite Companies
Many Indian startups choose to launch satellites on SpaceX rockets.
- SSLV Success Rate
- 66%
- First Launch
- August 7th, 2022
- Current Owner
- HAL
- Projected Launches
- 2025-2026
- Cost to HAL
- Rs 511 crore