The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is all set to launch the second edition of the small satellite (SSLV-D2) from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh at 9:18 am on Friday. The new rocket will attempt to launch three satellites – ISRO’s EOS-07, US firm Antaris’ Janus-1 and Chennai-based space startup SpaceKidz’s – AzaadiSAT-2 – into a 450 km circular orbit in a 15-minute flight. said ISRO.
Here’s everything you need to know about SSLV-D2 and its launch:
•According to ISRO, SSLV provides launch of up to 500 kg satellites into low earth orbits on a ‘launch on demand’ basis. The rocket provides low-cost access to space, offers low turnaround time and flexibility in placing multiple satellites, and requires minimal launch infrastructure.
•The SSLV is a 34 m high, 2 m diameter vehicle with a take-off weight of 120 tonnes. The rocket has three stages of solid fuel propulsion and a velocity terminal module.
• On February 8, ISRO tweeted: “Mission SSLV-D2/EOS-07: scheduled for launch on February 10, 2023 at 9:18 am IST from Sriharikota. Intended to inject EOS-07, Janus-1 and AzaadiSAT-2 satellites into 450 km circular orbit Vehicle prepared on launch pad undergoing final inspection phase.
• The first test flight of the SSLV ended in partial failure on August 9 last year after the upper stage of the launch vehicle ejected the satellite into a highly elliptical unstable orbit due to a speed lapse. Investigations into the malfunction also revealed that during the separation of the second stage, there was a short period of vibration disturbance aboard the Equipment Bay (EB), according to ISRO.
