Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

News: Recently, SSLV-D1 placed the satellites into a 356×76 km elliptical orbit instead of the 356-km circular orbit, making the satellite unusable.

About:
• SSLV is configured with three solid stages 87 t, 7.7 t and 4.5 t.
• The satellite insertion into the intended orbit is achieved through a liquid propulsion-based velocity trimming module.
• SSLV is capable of launching Mini, Micro, or Nanosatellites (10 to 500 kg mass) to a 500 km planar orbit. SSLV provides low-cost access to Space on demand basis.
• It offers low turn-around time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, launch-on-demand feasibility, minimal launch infrastructure requirements, etc.
• SSLV-D1 is a 34 m tall, 2 m diameter vehicle having a lift-off mass of 120 t.

Which satellites were launched via SSLV?
• EOS-02 is an earth observation satellite designed and realised by ISRO. This microsat series satellite offers advanced optical remote sensing operating in infra-red band with high spatial resolution.
• AzaadiSAT is a 8U Cubesat weighing around 8 kg. It carries 75 different payloads each weighing around 50 grams and conducting femto-experiments. Girl students from rural regions across the country were provided guidance to build these payloads. The payloads are integrated by the student team of “Space Kidz India”.

Why can SSLV be a game-changer for ISRO?
• It is a rocket that can be assembled within 72 hours, by a team of 5-6 people. While, PSLV and GSLV takes around 70-80 days to assemble.
• It costs at least one-tenth of those currently in use.
• The SSLV would have the capability to carry satellites weighing 500 kg to the low-earth orbits which is one of the most sought after places in space for positioning of satellites.
• It can enable a space launch every week thereby increasing the ISRO’s launch rate (approximately around 50-60 per year)
• It is a rocket that caters specifically to the small and micro-satellites that constitute over 90% of all satellites being launched these days.