ISRO to transfer SSLV to private sector

Indian Space Research Organization decided to transfer the SSLV completely to the private sector, not just the manufacturing but full transfer.

What in News?

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is going to transfer its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to the private sector after conducting two development flights of the rocket that seeks to provide on-demand services to put satellites weighing up to 500kg in a low-earth orbit.

The commercial satellite launch services sector in India is projected to contribute $13 billion to the economy by 2025, with the SSLV transfer expected to accelerate its growth.

ISRO’s SSLV

• Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a three stage launch vehicle configured with three Solid Propulsion Stages and a liquid-propulsion based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.
• The diameter of SSLV is 2m and the length is 34m with a lift-off weigh of around 120 tonnes.
• SSLV is capable of launching 500kg satellites in 500km planar orbit.

Key Features of SSLV

• Low cost
• Low turn-around time
• Flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites
• Launch demand feasibility
• Minimum launch infrastructure required.

 

Significance of SSLV

• Initially the larger satellites payloads were prioritised but most of the sectors like businesses, government agencies, universities and laboratories began to send satellites and most of them fall in the category of small satellites.
• Due to the growing need for space based data, communication sector, surveillance and commerce the demand of small satellites has increased at a rapid pace.
• Organizations are increasingly developing a constellation of satellites in space.
• With the rise in demand, the rockets could be launched frequently with less cost which will create the business opportunities for space agencies.

Recent Developments at SSLV by ISRO

• In August 2022, the maiden flight of the SSLV was a failure due to vibration disturbance for a short duration on the equipment bay deck during the second-stage separation.
• After conducting in-depth analysis of the fault and taking corrective actions against them ISRO successfully launched the SSLV in February.
• The SSLV injected the ISRO’s EOS-07 satellite, US-based firm Antaris’ Janus-1 and Chennai-based Space start-up Space Kidz’s AzaadiSAT-2 satellites into a 450 km circular orbit.             

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