The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to conduct the ultimate developmental flight of its cost-effective “Small Satellite Launch Vehicle” (SSLV) on the auspicious occasion of India’s Independence Day, August 15. The launch is set for 9.27 am from the Sriharikota spaceport and signifies the culmination of the SSLV Development Project, opening pathways for forthcoming missions led by Indian industry and New Space India Limited, its commercial branch.
Tailored to meet the escalating demand for deploying 500 kg satellites into low-Earth orbit, the three-stage SSLV assures cost-effective and prompt access to space, offering significant advantages to India’s flourishing space sector. Standing at a height of 34 meters and weighing 120 tonnes at lift-off, the SSLV ensures economical space accessibility by virtue of its swift turnaround time and on-demand launch capabilities.
Following an unsuccessful initial SSLV mission in August 2022, the second flight in February of the previous year successfully accomplished its goals, laying the groundwork for this final developmental launch. The SSLV-D3 mission will carry ISRO’s earth observation satellite, EOS-08, focusing on developing a microsatellite, devising payload instruments compatible with the microsatellite bus, and integrating novel technologies essential for forthcoming operational satellites.
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