GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the second edition of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2) from the first launch pad of Satish Dhawan space centre at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Key highlights of the launch

• It placed the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) earth observation satellite EOS-07 and two co-passenger satellites — Janus-1 and AzaadiSat2 — developed by start-ups, in a 450-km circular orbit around the Earth.
• The objectives of the SSLV-D2 mission are the demonstration of a designed payload capacity of SSLV in low-Earth orbit, and the injection of an Earth Observation Satellite and two passenger satellites into a 450.7-kilometre circular orbit.

About SSLV

• SSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle configured with three solid propulsion stages and a terminal stage.
  • A solid propulsion rocket stage uses solid propellants as fuel.
  • The terminal stage is a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM). 
• The key features of SSLV are
  • low cost, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites
  • 'launch on demand' feasibility
  • low turnaround time (the time taken to complete a process)
  • minimal launch infrastructure requirements
  • increased production rate from industries
• Also, SSLV has the minimum launch pad occupancy, which means that integration of the vehicle and subsequent launch can be completed within 24 hours. 
• SSLV has multiple satellite mounting options for nanosatellites, microsatellites, and mini-satellites. The launch vehicle can carry a single satellite weighing up to 500 kilograms to a 500-kilometre planar orbit.