SSLV ‘development flights’ likely in 2022

SSLV ‘development flights’ likely in 2022

Subject: Science & Tech

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.

Concept-

What is SSLV?

• The SSLV is a small-lift launch vehicle being developed by the ISRO with payload capacity to deliver:
  • 600 kg to Low Earth Orbit (500 km) or
  • 300 kg to Sun-synchronous Orbit (500 km)
• It would help launching small satellites, with the capability to support multiple orbital drop-offs.
• In future a dedicated launch pad in Sriharikota called Small Satellite Launch Complex (SSLC) will be set up.
• A new spaceport, under development, near Kulasekharapatnam in Tamil Nadu will handle SSLV launches when complete.
• After entering the operational phase, the vehicle’s production and launch operations will be done by a consortium of Indian firms along with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

SSLV details:

• Dimensions:
  • Height: 34 meters
  • Diameter: 2 meters
  • Mass: 120 tonnes
• The SSLV is a three-stage rocket.
• All three stages of the SSLV will be solid propulsion stages.

SSLV vs. PSLV:

• The SSLV was developed with the aim of launching small satellites commercially at drastically reduced price and higher launch rate as compared to Polar SLV (PSLV).
• A PSLV launch involves 600 officials while SSLV launch operations would be managed by a small team of about six people.
• The launch readiness period of the SSLV is expected to be less than a week instead of months.
• The SSLV can carry satellites weighing up to 500 kg to a low earth orbit while the tried and tested PSLV can launch satellites weighing in the range of 1000 kg.
• The entire job will be done in a very short time and the cost will be only around Rs 30 crore for SSLV.

Significance of SSLV

• SSLV is perfectly suited for launching multiple microsatellites at a time and supports multiple orbital drop-offs.
• The development and manufacture of the SSLV are expected to create greater synergy between the space sector and private Indian industries – a key aim of the space ministry.