Following the triumphant deployment of its Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-08) via the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 from the Sriharikota spaceport, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) revealed plans for a significant event in December: the launch of an unmanned Gaganyaan spacecraft. The completion of Gaganyaan will mark India’s inaugural mission to transport astronauts from its own territory. Portions of the Gaganyaan equipment have arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, with the crew module integration underway at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, as noted by Isro chairman S. Somanath. The crew escape mechanism is also prepared.
“We are currently focused on the maiden mission of Gaganyaan, known as G1 – the initial unmanned venture. Presently, the rocket, S200 stage, L1, C32 stage are all situated at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre,” Somanath stated. “Thus, we are in the process of finalizing the wiring and conducting necessary testing. Our aim is to have the entire system delivered here by November, with a potential launch by December.”
Somanath addressed reporters post the successful launch of the SSLV’s third and final developmental flight earlier that day. This success sets the stage for the commencement of commercial missions utilizing Isro’s smallest vehicle through its commercial subsidiary, New Space India Ltd (NSIL). The 34-meter, 120-tonne SSLV took off at 9.17 am from the Sriharikota spaceport, concluding the SSLV program’s third and final development flight. Isro chairman Somanath confirmed the precise insertion of the 175.5 kg EOS-08 satellite into its designated 475-km circular orbit 17 minutes after liftoff.
Designed to meet the growing demand for launching small satellites into low-Earth orbit, the SSLV provides cost-effective and swift access to space. For comparison, India’s heaviest rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark3 (LVM3, previously GSLV), is capable of launching an estimated 10 tonnes to low Earth orbit. While the initial SSLV launch in August 2022 was unsuccessful, the second flight in February last year achieved its mission objectives.
In response to inquiries regarding the necessity for industries to collaborate with Isro for commercial rocket launches, Somanath mentioned a recent day-long meeting with the industry. He expressed optimism about the first technology transfer in India between Isro and industry, highlighting the release of a Request for Interest (RFI) through which companies, either individually or in consortia, could express their interest in technology transfer and understand the expectations and qualifications for such missions.
Governor S. Abdul Nazeer extended congratulations to Isro for the successful launch of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3. In a statement issued from Raj Bhavan on Friday, the Governor commended Isro for its latest achievement and wished the organization continued success in its future endeavors. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu lauded the milestone accomplishment, emphasizing its enhancement of India’s small satellite capabilities and the empowerment of New Space India Ltd for forthcoming commercial launches. He conveyed his best wishes to Team Isro for their future ventures. Deputy CM K. Pawan Kalyan and former CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also congratulated the Isro scientists on the successful deployment of SSLV-D3 and the EOS-08 earth observation satellite into its intended orbit.
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