The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a small-lift launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to cater to a perceived growing demand for launching small satellites. With the capacity to deliver a 500 kg payload to low Earth orbit (500 km) or a 300 kg payload to Sun-synchronous orbit, the SSLV fills a critical gap in ISRO’s launch capabilities.
Key Features and Advantages
The SSLV has been designed with several key features and advantages in mind:
- Cost-Effective: The development cost of the SSLV is ₹169.07 crore (US$23 million) and the manufacturing cost is expected to be ₹30-35 crore (US$3.6-4.2 million) per launch, making it one of the most affordable rockets in its class.
- Quick Turnaround Time: The SSLV is designed for rapid assembly and launch, with a launch readiness period of less than a week. This is a significant improvement over the months required for PSLV launches.
- Flexible Configurations: The SSLV can accommodate multiple satellites and supports multi-orbital drop-offs. It can be assembled both vertically and horizontally.
- Minimal Infrastructure: The SSLV requires minimal launch infrastructure and its operations can be managed by a small team of about six people.
The SSLV is a three-stage vehicle with solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as the terminal stage. It stands 34 meters tall, has a diameter of 2 meters, and has a lift-off mass of 120 tonnes.
Development Status and Launches
The SSLV had its maiden flight, SSLV-D1, on August 7, 2022. However, the mission failed to reach the intended orbit due to a sensor anomaly in the terminal stage. The second development flight, SSLV-D2, successfully placed its payloads into orbit on February 10, 2023.
On August 16, 2024, ISRO conducted the third and final development flight of the SSLV, designated SSLV-D3. The vehicle successfully placed the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-08 into a precise 475 km circular orbit. With this launch, ISRO declared the development process of the SSLV completed.
Future Prospects
The successful completion of the SSLV’s development phase paves the way for technology transfer to Indian industry for serial production and commercial operations. The commercial arm of ISRO, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), along with a group of Indian companies, will manage the mass production and launch activities of the SSLV.
The availability of the SSLV is expected to significantly boost India’s share in the global small satellite launch market. It will enable more frequent and affordable access to space for small satellites from India and abroad. The SSLV’s low cost and rapid turnaround capabilities make it an attractive option for commercial launches, academic projects, and technology demonstration missions.
The SSLV represents a major milestone in India’s space capabilities. With its successful development, ISRO now has a dedicated and efficient launch vehicle for small satellites that complements its existing PSLV and GSLV rockets. As the SSLV enters commercial operations, it is poised to open up new opportunities for India in the burgeoning small satellite launch market.
