ISRO Transfers SSLV Technology to HAL, Boosting Space Industry
In a landmark move for India's burgeoning space sector, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed a formal agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the transfer of technology for the production of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV). This agreement, which marks the 100th technology transfer facilitated by space sector promoter INSPACe, was inked in Bengaluru on September 10, 2025. HAL outbid a consortium led by Adani Group-backed Alpha Design Technologies to secure this agreement.
The primary objective of this technology transfer is to foster greater industry participation in India's space endeavors and establish the nation as a global hub for affordable and reliable launch services., The entire technology transfer process is expected to be completed within 24 months from the signing date. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman of INSPACe, highlighted that this collaboration between ISRO, HAL, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and INSPACe represents a significant leap towards empowering the space industry and realizing the Government of India's vision.
Further strengthening India's position in the global space arena, Astroscale Japan Inc., a leader in satellite servicing and orbital sustainability, has signed a launch agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). This agreement is for the launch of Astroscale's ISSA-J1 (In-situ Space Situational Awareness-Japan 1) mission, scheduled for spring 2027 aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
AI and Technology to Drive India's Growth Story: Piyush Goyal
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has affirmed that Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology, and innovation will be the core drivers of India's economic growth. Addressing the 58th Convocation of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi on September 10, 2025, Goyal emphasized the transformative role of technologies such as AI, robotics, machine learning, and quantum computing across critical sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and education.
Goyal underscored India's significant talent pool, with 2.3 million STEM graduates annually, which he believes is crucial for reducing dependence on foreign technology and empowering domestic industries. He urged the youth to leverage their skills to contribute to the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' goal, highlighting the government's focus on resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, and innovation-driven growth to improve the quality of life and promote ease of doing business.
National Conference on AI Underway in Bengaluru
A two-day national conference on 'Artificial Intelligence: A Multidisciplinary Approach in Research' commenced on September 11, 2025, in Bengaluru. Organized by Vijaya College, RV Road, in collaboration with the Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology (KSCST) and the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), the event is being conducted in a hybrid mode.
India's Vision to Become a Smart City Hub
Discussions are gaining momentum on India's ambition to transform its urban centers into a global "Smart City Hub." The focus is on leveraging indigenous innovations, fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and ensuring active citizen involvement to create sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban spaces. The vision, initially articulated with the "Smart Cities Mission" in 2015, aims to address urban challenges like traffic congestion, pollution, and waste management through a fusion of technology, policy, and community participation.