Small Satellite Launch Vehicle
Source : Indian Express
GS III: Science and Technology 

What is discussed under Small Satellite Launch Vehicle?

1. What is a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle?
2. Advantages of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle
3. Why is ISRO developing the SSLV?
4. What is Earth Observation Satellite: EOS-02?
5. What is AzaadiSAT student satellite?
6. What are the reasons for mission failure?

Why in News?

• ISRO launched the first flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle( SSLV), carrying an Earth observation satellite EOS-02 and co-passenger students’ satellite AzaadiSAT.
• The mission failed to deliver its satellite payloads into their intended orbit due to a sensor issue.
• The Centre had allocated Rs 169 crore for the development of the project.

What Is a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle?

• • Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), developed by ISRO, is a 3-stage all-solid vehicle and has the capability to launch up to 500 kg satellite mass into 500 km low earth orbit (LEO) and 300 kg to Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
  • It would help launching small satellites, with the capability to support multiple orbital drop-offs.
  • It is a four-stage launching vehicle.
  • The first three stages will use Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) based solid propellant, with a fourth terminal stage being a Velocity-Trimming Module (VTM).
  • SSLV is made keeping low cost, low turnaround time in mind with launch-on-demand flexibility under minimal infrastructure requirements.
  • It has a height of 34 meters, diameter of 2 meters and mass of 120 tonnes.

Advantages of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle

• • Reduced turn-around time

    

  • Launch on demand
  • Cost optimization for realization and operation
  • Flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites
  • Minimum launch infrastructure requirements
  • Heritage of proven design practises

Why Is ISRO Developing the SSLV?

• • To develop a launch vehicle that is both affordable and capable of frequent launches.
  • In order to take advantage of the expanding market for small satellite launch services on a worldwide scale.
  • It will offer a variety of mounting options for nano, micro, and small satellites.
  • It can be assembled in just 72 hours.
  • Human resource required for assembling the vehicle is less.
  • Small launch vehicles are seeing a huge surge all over the world.
  • The development and manufacture of the SSLV are expected to create greater synergy between the space sector and private Indian industries.

What is Earth Observation Satellite: EOS-02?

• • EOS-02 (formerly known as Microsat-2A) was an Indian Earth observation microsatellite developed by the ISRO.
  • The goal of EOS-02 was to develop and launch an experimental imaging satellite with a quick turnaround time to demonstrate the potential of launch on demand.
  • It was created with the intention of being used for:
    • Cadastral-level cartographic applications
    • Urban and rural management
    • Coastal land use and regulation
    • Utilities mapping
    • Development
    • Other GIS applications

What Is AzaadiSAT student satellite?

• • AzaadiSAT is the product of the collaboration of 750 school kids and the student team of “Space Kidz India,” an aerospace organisation.
  • The AzaadiSAT also aimed to mark 75 years of India’s independence.
  • The aim of the production was to provide government school students with a fundamental awareness and knowledge of space.
  • It is an 8-kg Cubesat carrying 75 different payloads each weighing around 50 grams and conducts femto-experiments.

What Are the Reasons for Mission Failure?

• • The velocity trimming module (VTM) was designed to burn for 20 seconds at 653 seconds after launch.
  • It only burned for 0.1 seconds though, depriving the rocket of the necessary height boost.
  • Due to a sensor fault, the satellites were put into an elliptical orbit rather than their original circular orbit.

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