The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reached a significant milestone in the global small satellite launch market with the successful launch of its third and final developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D3). This landmark achievement took place on Friday morning from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Successful Launch of SSLV-D3
The SSLV-D3 rocket, which represents the culmination of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle development project, lifted off at precisely 9:17 AM. The mission showcased ISRO’s advancements in small satellite technology and its commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the Indian space sector. The SSLV-D3 launch is a pivotal step toward enabling operational missions by Indian industry and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
Deployment of Satellites
During the mission, the SSLV-D3 successfully deployed two satellites into low Earth orbit. The primary payload, the EOS-08 earth observation satellite, weighing 175.5 kg, was placed into a 475 km circular orbit approximately 13 minutes after liftoff. The EOS-08 satellite is designed to provide high-resolution imagery for various applications, including agriculture and urban planning.
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In addition to the EOS-08, the SSLV-D3 also carried the SR-0 Demosat, a 0.2 kg satellite developed by Space Kidz India. This demonstration satellite was successfully positioned into the same orbit, marking another achievement for the country’s burgeoning space technology sector.
Impact and Future Prospects
The successful completion of the SSLV-D3 project is a testament to ISRO’s growing expertise in the small satellite launch domain. With this milestone, India is well-positioned to play a significant role in the international small satellite market, providing cost-effective and reliable launch services.
This achievement opens up new avenues for operational missions, paving the way for future collaborations between Indian industry and NSIL. The SSLV’s success is expected to bolster India’s position in the global space economy, providing opportunities for commercial satellite launches and expanding the country’s space exploration capabilities.
