Small Satellite Launch Vehicle [SSLV]

The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle [SSLV], works towards the goal of meeting the growing market for satellite launches. These satellite launches mainly focus on aiming their drop-offs into the earth's low orbit. "Low orbit" refers to the general 500 km flat orbit.

The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, or SSLV, aims to cater to the demands of governments, universities, corporates, and private enterprises.

What Is The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)?

The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle [SSLV] is an indigenous product of India. It is a mini-rocket launcher developed by ISRO. ISRO has also announced that SSLV is the smallest vehicle designed by them. It weighs around 110 tons. The main goal of developing SSLV is to transport lightweight commercial satellites into low-earth orbit (LEO). This implies a position between 200 and 2,000 kilometres above the surface of the planet.

It is capable of carrying a payload of up to 500 kg. This initiative would play a major role in strengthening the potential of collaboration between ISRO and private sectors to carry on commercial satellite launches.

Important Facts about The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

• Current satellite launches take about 70 days to complete the drop-off process. However, SSLV, or Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, ensures a 72-hour integration process to complete satellite launches.
• The Indian government has approved a total budget of Rs. 169 crores for building the SSLV project. This development project aims to fulfil different missions. The focus of the project is to ensure vehicle system development and qualification and to carry out flying demonstration processes on three development flights. The development flights include SSLV-D1, SSLV-D2 and SSLV-D3.
• This master plan is the brainchild of the new chairman of ISRO, Dr Somanath. He began by envisioning and developing the revolutionary idea of SSLV during his time as director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.
• The SSLV's first takeoff was supposed to take place in July 2019. However, it has been rescheduled owing to challenges from Covid-19 and other concerns.

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle Significance

The SSLV or Small Satellite Launch Vehicle holds great significance not only for the scientific advancement of the country but also for commercial purposes. This also implies that this project has tremendous potential to uplift the economy as well. Since SSLV aims to deliver commercial satellites within a minimal time, it is obvious that the Indian private sector will be keener to develop a long-term partnership with ISRO. This would help to achieve an incredibly high level of money flow in the country.

The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, or SSLV, is a great initiative taken by ISRO and the government to sharpen India's potential to grow in the market of launching commercial satellites.

FAQs on Small Satellite Launch Vehicle

Q.1. How many steps are involved in the operation of a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)?

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle [SSLV] is a three-stage process to help SSLV function. This is an all-solid vehicle capable of striking up to 500 kg of satellites into 500 km of LEO.

Q.2. What is the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) initiative taken by ISRO?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) took the initiative to design a narrow-fit launch vehicle called the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle [SSLV]. It is basically a launch vehicle that is planned to be launched in May 2022.

Q.3. What is the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) capable of?

A Small Satellite Launch Vehicle [SSLV] is able to perform crucial satellite jobs. It can let the satellites fly to a 500 km flat orbit. The satellites generally weigh around 500 kg.

Q.4. What are the key features of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)?

The primary features of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle [SSLV] mainly include cost-effectiveness and minimal requirements for launching infrastructure. The other important key characteristics involve quick turnaround, high adaptability in supporting many satellites, and optimum functionality.

Q.5. With regards to the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), how much does it cost to execute a satellite launch?

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle [SSLV] costs around ₹30 crores (US $3.9 million) to execute a satellite launch.