ISRO Launched SSLV D2 Successfully From Sriharikota

ISRO Launched SSLV D2 Successfully From Sriharikota: ISRO’s indigenous new launch rockets, called the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), has made its second developmental flight which is named as Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV D2).

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Context of ISRO’s SSLV D2

In News

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on February 10, 2023, successfully launched the second developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV D2) from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
• The SSLV D2 successfully put into their intended orbit Earth Observation Satellite EOS-07, Janus-1 and Azaadi SAT-2.

Background

• The first developmental flight of SSLV lifted off from SDSC on August 7, 2022. The objective of the mission (SSLV-D1/EOS-02) was to inject EOS-02 satellite of ISRO into a circular orbit of 356.2 km with an inclination of 37.21 degrees.

Earth Observation Satellite-6 (EOS-6) launched by ISRO

What is a launch vehicle?

• Launchers or Launch Vehicles are used to carry spacecraft to space. India has two operational launchers: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, located in Thiruvananthapuram, is responsible for the design and development of launch vehicles.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, is the space port of India and is responsible for integration of launchers. It houses two operational launch pads from where all GSLV and PSLV flights take place.

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle: ISRO’s Indigenous Launcher

Key Points About SSLV D2

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on February 10, 2023, successfully launched the second developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV D2) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Andhra Pradesh.

• Launch Pad: The 34 metre tall SSLV D2 weighing 120 ton took off from the first launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
• Three Staged: The three staged SSLV D2 powered by solid fuel also has a velocity trimming module powered by liquid fuel for precise injection of satellites.
• Successful Flight: It was a successful flight of SSLV D2 with the precise placement of the satellites in the destined planar orbit.

About EOS 07, Janus 1 And Azaadi Sat – 2

• The EOS-07 is a 156.3 kg satellite designed, developed and realised by ISRO. New experiments include mm-Wave Humidity Sounder and Spectrum Monitoring Payload.
• Janus-1, a 10.2 kg satellite, belongs to ANTARIS, US. Janus-1 is a technology demonstrator, smart satellite mission, based on Antaris software platform.
• The 8.7 kg satellite Azaadi SAT-2 is a combined effort of about 750 girl students across India guided by Space Kidz India, Chennai. It aims to demonstrate LoRa and Amateur Radio communication satellites, measure radiation levels in space and demonstrate expanding satellite structure

Uses of EOS 07, Janus 1 And Azaadi Sat – 2

• EOS 07: The earth observation satellite EOS 07 will be used for earth observation purposes.
• Janus 1: Janus 1 sent by ANTARIS from the United States will feature five different payloads running on its satellite software once in orbit.
• Azaadi Sat – 2: Azaadi Sat – 2 designed by the students of Space Kidz India will demonstrate low range and amateur radio communication capabilities.

About SSLV

• 3 Stage Launch Vehicle: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a 3 stage Launch Vehicle configured with three solid propulsion stages and liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.
• Diameter: SSLV is 2 m in diameter and 34 m in length with lift off weight of 120 tonnes.
• Satellites Carrying Capacity: The SSLV can carry satellites weighing up to 500 kg to a low earth orbit while PSLV can launch satellites weighing in the range of 1000 kg.
• SSLV payload capability
  • Single/Multi Satellites – Nano, Micro and Mini satellites
  • Single Satellite up to 500 kg in 500 km planar orbit
  • Multiple satellites ranging from 10 kg to 300 kg into 500 km Planar Orbit.

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What Are The Advantages of SSLV?

The SSLV is intended to cater to a market for the launch of small satellites into low earth orbits. Low earth orbit has emerged in recent years on account of the need for developing countries, private corporations, and universities for small satellites. Key Advantages of SSLV Are: 

• Low weight: The SSLV is the smallest vehicle at 110-ton mass at ISRO.
• Less time: It will take only 72 hours to integrate, unlike the 70 days taken now for a launch vehicle.
• Less manpower: Only six people will be required to do the job, instead of 60 people.
• Low cost: The entire job will be done in a very short time and the cost will be only around Rs 30 crore.
• Build synergy: The development and manufacture of the SSLV are expected to create greater synergy between the space sector and private Indian industries.

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