ISRO developing a SSLV with Private Participation

According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is in process of developing a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) with private participation. The satellite will be launched in first quarter of 2022.

Highlights

• SSLV will provide a payload capability of 500 kg to a planar orbit of 500 km.
• Development of SSLV is in final stages.
• First developmental flight of SSLV is targeted to launch during the first quarter of 2022.
• Government has sanctioned Rs 169 Crores to develop this project including the qualification and development of the vehicle systems as well as flight demonstration by three development flights namely, SSLV-D1, SSLV-D2 and SSLV-D3.

Contribution of Private sector

Private Industry will help in realizing the Hardware and structures for SSLV development project including:

1. Solid motor cases
2. Nozzle sub-systems
3. Mandrels for casting of solid motors
4. Inter-stage structures
5. Actuator motors and
6. Fixtures will be realized through private industry.

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

SSLV is a small-lift launch vehicle, having a payload capacity to deliver 600 kgs to low Earth Orbit (at 500 km) or 300 kgs to Sun-synchronous orbit (500 km). It is being developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The SSLV have the capability to support multiple orbital drop-offs. Design of the vehicle was completed at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thumba on December 21, 2018.

Aim of the vehicle

SSLV is being developed with the aim of launching small satellites commercially at a reduced price and higher launch rate as against the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2021