INDIA: The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), a freshly constructed and eagerly anticipated new rocket, will make its maiden flight on August 7, 2022, just in time for Independence Day, according to the Indian Space Agency. The Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-02) Mission will be sent into space by rocket.
The SSLV-D1/EOS-02 mission launch is set for Sunday, August 7, at 9:18 am (IST) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) Sriharikota. ISRO announced the launch on Twitter. To watch the launch, ISRO welcomes the public to the Launch View Gallery at SDSC.
The SSLV
The SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) created by the ISRO will be in charge of launching satellites that weigh less than 500 kg into low earth orbit, where they can be used for a variety of purposes, including earth monitoring and extending internet access to remote places. Earth observation satellite MicroSat 2A is the main payload of SSLV’s first test mission.
ISRO claimed that an SSLV rocket could be produced in a week to meet the demands of the expanding space industry and compete with the commercial satellite market. The major goal of SSLV is to draw attention to the growing small satellite market and offer domestic and international businesses launch-on-demand services. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the workhorse of ISRO, will be at ease and employed frequently for larger missions thanks to SSLV.
SSLV VS PSLV
When comparing the SSLV with PSLV, it is important to note that the PSLV can launch a payload weighing up to 1,750 kilogrammes into a Sun Synchronous Orbit at the height of 600 kilometres, whilst the SSLV is intended to send a payload weighing 500 kilogrammes into a 500-kilometre planar orbit. In addition, the SSLV will give users of nano, micro, and small satellites access to a variety of mounting choices.
It’s worth pointing out that Dr S. Somnath, the current director-general of the Indian Space Agency, is the man behind SSLV.
Smallest Launcher
The three-stage all-solid stage vehicle weighs 110 tonnes and is the smallest in the space agency’s collection of launchers, according to ISRO. It is amazing to consider that the rocket can be built and integrated in just 72 hours as opposed to other launch vehicles, which need almost two months to go from the assembly building to the launch pad.
The solid booster stage (SS1), which will power the launch vehicle, underwent ground testing by ISRO in March of this year. The organisation has stated that the positive testing has given it enough confidence to move on with the SSLV’s first developmental flight (SSLV-D1).
Also Read: ISRO Successfully Launches PSLV-C52
