SMALL SATELLITE LAUNCH VEHICLE
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Context
- Recently, ISRO mentioned the launch of an SSLV-D1 Micro SAT in April 2022.
Launch vehicle
- A launch vehicle or carrier rocket is a rocket-propelled vehicle used to carry a payload from Earth's surface to space, usually to Earth orbit or beyond.
SSLV
- About: The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (or SSLV) is a small-lift launch vehicle being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- Aim: The SSLV was developed with the aim of launching small satellites commercially at drastically reduced price and higher launch rate as compared to Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
- Capacity and Features: It has a payload capacity to deliver 600 kg. SSLV is a three-stage, all-solid launch vehicle that can carry a payload weighing 500 kilograms to the polar orbit, 500 kilometers above Earth's surface and a 300-kilogram payload into Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit. It has the capability to support multiple orbital drop-offs. The SSLV is the smallest vehicle at 110-ton mass at ISRO. It 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.
Evolution of India’s Launch Vehicles
Must Read: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/satellite-launch-vehicles
Read: https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/types-of-orbits-explained