The second developmental flight of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), SSLV-D2 successfully launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota to put three satellites EOS-07 February 10, 2023, at 09:18 hours IST from the first launch pad, according to the ISRO website.
The SSLV-D2 is intended to inject EOS-07, Janus-1 and AzaadiSAT-2 satellites into a 450 km circular orbit, in its 15-minute flight. The first developmental flight of the SSLV occurred on 7 August 2022. The flight mission was named SSLV-D1 and it failed to achieve its mission objectives.
The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a small-lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO with a payload capacity to deliver 500 kg (1,100 lb) to low Earth orbit (500 km (310 mi)) or 300 kg (660 lb) to sun-synchronous orbit (500 km (310 mi)) for launching small satellites, with the capability to support multiple orbital drop-offs. SSLV is made keeping low cost, and low turnaround time in mind with launch-on-demand flexibility under minimal infrastructure requirements.
ISRO stated that the rocket cost approximately 56 crore rupees and stands 34 metres tall with a lift-off mass of 120 ton.
The SSLV-D2 provides low-cost access to space, offers low turn-around time and flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, and demands minimal launch infrastructure.
Earlier, the bigger satellite payloads were given importance, but as the sector grew, many players like businesses, government agencies, universities, and laboratories began to send satellites. Mostly all of them fall in the category of small satellites.
“Currently, we are preparing for the next launch of GSLV Mark III leading to the launch of One Web India 236 satellites. So, we are preparing for that launch. This launch will take place around mid-March,” ISRO chief, S Somnath stated.
(This article has been edited by Reeya Katakdaund)