ISRO launches SSLV: What is the aim behind developing Small Satellite Launch Vehicles?

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Context:

ISRO successfully launched the third developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D3) from Sriharikota, placing the Earth observation satellite EOS-08 into orbit.
This marks the completion of the SSLV Development Project, allowing NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and the private space industry to produce SSLVs for commercial missions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the cost-effectiveness of SSLVs, which will encourage private industry participation in space missions.

What is an SSLV?

The SSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle configured with three Solid Propulsion Stages.
- It also has a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage, which can help adjust the velocity as it prepares to place the satellite.
It is designed for launching smaller satellites, offering low-cost launches with minimal infrastructure.
It can carry satellites weighing up to 500kg and can be rapidly assembled, taking only 72 hours to integrate with minimal manpower, reducing costs to around Rs 30 crore.

PSLVs and GSLVs:

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is a reliable launch vehicle used since 1994, known as ISRO’s “workhorse” for placing satellites in low Earth orbit.
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) have a higher capacity because sending satellites deeper into space requires greater power.
- Therefore, cryogenic engines consisting of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are used in GSLVs as they provide greater thrust than the engines used in the older launch vehicles.
- The GSLV Mk-II can carry satellites weighing up to 2,200 kg, while the Mk-III can carry up to 4,000 kg.
Geostationary Earth orbit (GEO): It is a circular orbit 35,786 kilometres above Earth’s equator.

Cyanobacterial Engineered Living Material (C-ELM):

Prantar Tamuli, a Master’s student at University College London, developed a biomaterial C-ELM using living microorganisms that can capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, potentially reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry.
C-ELM incorporates cyanobacteria in translucent panels for buildings, which through photosynthesis, capture CO2 and convert it into calcium carbonate.
- Through a process called biomineralisation, the captured CO2 is converted into calcium carbonate, effectively trapping the carbon.
A kilogram of C-ELM can sequester 350g of CO2, significantly offsetting emissions compared to traditional concrete.
Inspired by studying stromatolites– ancient structures formed by algal mats- Tamuli focused on the cyanobacteria species Kamptonema animale, which grows in long strands that easily bind to surrounding materials within the panels. The calcium carbonate produced by the cyanobacteria strengthens and reinforces the panels.
- The material also offers additional benefits like lightweight, sound-absorbing, and thermally insulating properties. The first panels were publicly displayed in Scotland, and a patent for the technology has been filed by UCL.