ISRO has achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of its third and final developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) on Friday.
The launch, carried out from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, marks a pivotal moment for the Indian space program, as it transitions towards greater collaboration with industry partners for future satellite missions.
The SSLV-D3 mission, carrying the primary Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-08), lifted off at 9:17 AM, following a six-hour countdown. The SSLV rocket, a more compact alternative to the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), stands at 34 meters tall and is designed to carry payloads weighing up to 500 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The successful deployment of the EOS-08 into its intended orbit has cemented SSLV’s place as a reliable vehicle for small satellite launches, offering a low-cost and flexible option for both domestic and international customers.
ISRO’s Chairman, S. Somanath, expressed his satisfaction with the successful completion of the SSLV’s developmental phase, which began with some challenges but has now concluded on a high note.
"The third developmental flight of SSLV is successful. The SSLV-D3 placed EOS-08 precisely into the orbit. This marks the successful completion of ISRO/DOS's SSLV Development Project. With technology transfer, the Indian industry and NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) will now produce SSLV for commercial missions," he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The maiden flight of SSLV in August 2022 encountered difficulties, with the rocket failing to place its payload into the intended orbit. However, ISRO’s resilience and commitment to refining the vehicle paid off with the success of SSLV-D2 in February 2023, which paved the way for the latest successful launch.
The SSLV-D3 mission was initially scheduled for August 15 but was postponed by 24 hours due to operational considerations. The SSLV rocket’s ability to offer quick turnaround times, combined with its flexibility to accommodate multiple payloads, makes it an attractive option for a variety of space missions. A key feature of the SSLV is its cost-effectiveness, with estimates suggesting it is 20-30% cheaper than PSLV missions.
The EOS-08 satellite, weighing 175.5 kg, was the primary payload for the SSLV-D3 mission. This Earth Observation Satellite is equipped with a range of instruments designed for applications such as satellite-based surveillance, disaster and environmental monitoring, fire detection, and volcanic activity observation.
Shortly after the successful separation of EOS-08, a secondary payload, SR-O DEMOSAT, developed by Space Kidz India and weighing just 200 grams, was also deployed, signaling the mission's overall success.
As scientists at the Mission Control Centre in Sriharikota celebrated the successful launch, the focus shifted towards the future of SSLV missions. The conclusion of the SSLV's developmental flights opens the door for NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, to take charge of commercial launches. NSIL will now be able to offer SSLV launches to industry players eager to deploy satellites weighing up to 500 kg into LEO or up to 500 km above Earth.
The SSLV's compact design and efficient performance make it ideal for launching mini, micro, or nanosatellites into low Earth or Sun Synchronous Orbits (SSO), depending on customer requirements. The rocket’s three solid propulsion stages and a liquid module as a terminal stage ensure reliable performance during launch.
In addition to its payload flexibility, SSLV’s design incorporates several innovations aimed at enhancing satellite deployment. The EOS-08 mission highlighted advancements in satellite mainframe systems, including the Integrated Avionics System, known as the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning package.
This system combines multiple functions into a single, efficient unit, reducing complexity and increasing reliability. The satellite also features a structural panel embedded with PCB, an embedded battery, a Micro-DGA (Dual Gimbal Antenna), a Micro-Phased Array Antenna, and a flexible solar panel, all of which contribute to the mission's success.
Looking ahead, NSIL has already lined up its first dedicated commercial launch of SSLV, scheduled for 2026. This mission will see the SSLV deploying the Optimus satellite, developed by Australia-based Space Machines Company, into orbit. This commercial engagement underscores the global interest in SSLV’s capabilities and the growing demand for cost-effective small satellite launch solutions.
The successful SSLV-D3 mission also reinforces ISRO’s reputation as a leading player in the global space industry. The agency’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges, combined with its commitment to innovation, positions it well for future endeavours.
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