In Context
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is hoping to have all three development flights planned for its ‘baby rocket’ — the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) — in 2022 itself.
- The first development flight is expected to take place in the month of June.
About the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)Â
- Background:Â
- Dr Somanath is credited with designing and developing the SSLV during his tenure as director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram since 2018.
- It is a 3 stage Launch Vehicle configured with three Solid Propulsion Stages and liquid propulsion based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.
- All three stages of the SSLV will be solid propulsion stages.
- The SSLV can carry satellites weighing a maximum 500 kg to low orbit, while the PSLV can launch satellites weighing above 1000 kg.
- The key features of SSLV:
- Low cost, with low turn-around time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, Launch on demand feasibility, minimal launch infrastructure requirements, etc.
Image Courtesy:TH
Image Courtesy:nsilindia
- Aims:Â
- Development of a cost-effective launch vehicle with a high launch frequency and a quick turnaround capability to cater to the growing opportunities in the global launch services market for small satellites
- To create greater synergy between the space sector and private Indian industries .
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What is Low-Earth Orbit ?Â
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Source:TH
