Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

• ISRO signed a formal agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the transfer of technology for the production of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV), marking a significant step in industry participation in the space sector.

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

• SSLV is a 3-stage Launch Vehicle developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) for launching small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Key Features

• Size: SSLV is 2m in diameter and 34m in length with lift off weight of ~120 tonnes.
• Stages: SSLV is configured with three Solid Propulsion Stages and liquid propulsion based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.
  • The VTM is a liquid-propelled stage that is used to precisely adjust the satellite’s velocity just before it is injected into orbit.
• Payload Capability: SSLV is capable of launching objects ranging from 10 kilograms to 500 kilograms to a 500-kilometer planar orbit.
  • Single Satellite: Up to 500kg in 500km planar orbit.
  • Three Multiple satellites: Ranging from 10kg to 300kg into 500km Planar Orbit.

    

    Credit: India Today

Key Launches of SSLV

• SSLV-D2 (Developmental Flight 2): Although the SSLV-D1 (2022) was a failure, the SSLV-D2 (2023) placed following satellites into their designated orbits.
  1. EOS-07: Earth observation satellite for technology demonstration.
  2. Janus-1: U.S. satellite by Antaris, for AI-based operations in space.
  3. AzaadiSAT-2: Upgraded version of the student satellite.

Significance

• Launch-on-Demand: It is designed to provide on-demand launch services, catering to the emerging small satellite launch market
• Cost Effectiveness: The SSLV is designed for low cost, both in terms of development and operation, offering a more affordable alternative for small satellite launches.
  • SSLV enables India to compete with global small launchers like Rocket Lab’s Electron and Firefly’s Alpha, by offering low-cost and rapid-deployment services.
• Flexibility: The SSLV can accommodate multiple satellites in a single launch.
• Reduced Turnaround Time: The SSLV aims to provide faster turnaround times between launch preparations and actual launch.
• Minimal Infrastructure: The SSLV requires minimal launch infrastructure compared to larger launch vehicles.