ISRO Completes SSLV Development with Successful SSLV-D3 and EOS-08 Launch

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ISRO successfully launched the SSLV-D3 mission on August 16, 2024, placing EOS-08 and SR-0 Demosat satellites into orbit. The mission marks the completion of the SSLV development phase and opens the door for commercial satellite launches.
ISRO Completes SSLV Development

India’s space exploration has taken a big leap forward with the successful launch of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D3) on August 16, 2024. The mission marks the culmination of ISRO’s SSLV development project, as the rocket Stored two important satellites the—EOS -08 and SR-0 Demosat—have a low Earth orbit of 475km. This historic milestone not only strengthens India’s position in the small satellite launch market but also opens up new avenues for the commercial space industry.

The SSLV-D3 Mission: A Brief Overview

The SSLV-D3 mission took off from the first launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota at 9:17 am. It carried two payloads—a 175.5-kg EOS-08 earth observation satellite and a 0.2-kg SR-0 Demosat. The mission notably marked the last development flight of SSLV, which is now ready for commercial deployment by the Indian industry in partnership with Newspace India Limited (NSIL).

The success of SSLV-D3 is not only a technological breakthrough but also a testament to ISRO’s continued growth in small global satellite markets. According to ISRO chief S. Somanath, the mission was 100% successful without happening in satellite injection conditions. The satellites were orbited exactly as planned, completing the final phase of the SSLV development program.

What is SSLV and Why is it Important?

The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is ISRO’s answer to the growing demand for small satellites. The SSLV, which is 34 meters high, is designed to carry small, micro, nanosatellites weighing up to 500 kilograms into low Earth orbit. Its compact size and robust stabilization technology provide a flexible and cost-effective solution for launching small payloads.

All three of the SSLV-D3 rocket’s stages are driven by solid propulsion, and at the terminal stage, a liquid-propulsion-based velocity trimming module (VTM) is in operation.  The main advantage of the SSLV is its turnaround time when low, solitary for 72 hours, with minimal disposal required. This allows for faster and more frequent launches, making SSLV ideal for a “launch on demand” approach.

The successful launch of the SSLV-D3 mission gives ISRO an advantage in the growing global small satellite market, which is expected to increase significantly in the coming years SSLV capacity to carry more satellites without few businesses throw it for a competitive edge in this lucrative market.

ISRO Completes SSLV Development with Successful SSLV-D3 and EOS-08 Launch

The Payloads: EOS-08 and SR-0 Demosat

EOS-08: Earth Observation Satellite

The EOS-08 satellite, developed by the U R Rao Satellite Centre, is designed for Earth observation applications, ranging from soil moisture assessment to disaster management. Built on ISRO’s microsat/MS-1 bus, the satellite is equipped with advanced technologies such as an Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R), and a SiC UV Dosimeter.

In addition to these payloads, the satellite features new developments like an integrated avionics system that combines communication, baseband, storage, and positioning (CBSP) into a single package. Other advancements include structural panels embedded with printed circuit boards (PCB), flexible solar panels, and nano star sensors, all aimed at enhancing onboard technology demonstrations.

SR-0 Demosat: The Passenger Satellite

The SR-0 Demosat, developed by Space Kidz India, weighs just 0.2 kg and works as a passenger satellite. While its role in the mission may seem secondary, the SR-0 Demosat is an integral part of ISRO’s efforts to inject the private sector into the space industry, especially in the field of educational satellites and technology in the demonstrations.

Why the SSLV-D3 Mission Matters

The SSLV-D3 mission marks a turning point in the capability of ISRO’s small satellite launchers. With the successful completion of the SSLV development mission, ISRO now has a rocket capable of providing commercial satellite launch services, targeting both domestic and international customers.

SSLV’s low cost, flexibility, and fast turnaround time make it an attractive choice for companies and governments looking to launch small satellites into orbit Furthermore, the ability to carry multiple satellites in a single mission offers SSLV an efficient and scalable solution for space-based projects.

As space exploration becomes more commercialized, ISRO’s SSLV program positions India as a key player in the global space industry. The successful launch of SSLV-D3 not only marks a technological breakthrough but also underlines ISRO’s commitment to expand commercial space operations.

What’s next for ISRO’s SSLV Program?

Now that the development phase of SSLV has been completed, ISRO is ready to shift to the operational phase of the project. Indian industry can develop and launch SSLV rockets for commercial purposes with the help of NSIL. The move is expected to give India a boost in the international space market and generate significant revenue through commercial satellite launches.

Apart from SSLV, ISRO continues to work on other ambitious projects, such as the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission, which aims to take Indian astronauts into space. The success of SSLV-D3 is part of wider development for ISRO, which includes PSLV-C58/XpoSat and GSLV-F1. More recent missions like /INSAT-3DS are available.

Looking Forward

The successful launch of ISRO’s SSLV-D3 marked the beginning of a new chapter in India’s space exploration journey. The mission not only completes the development of a small satellite launch vehicle but also opens up new opportunities for commercial satellite launches. With its ability to deliver cost-effective and flexible solutions, SSLV is poised to make a significant impact in the global aerospace market.

As ISRO continues to innovate and expand its capabilities, the success of the SSLV-D3 mission is a testament to India’s growing prowess in space technology ISRO’s future looks bright, with the promise that there will be more missions.

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