ISRO's SSLV-D2 Mission Places Satellites EOS-07, Janus-1 And AzaadiSAT-2 Into Intended Orbit

SSLV-D2: The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) has placed the satellites EOS-07 (Earth-Observation Satellite-07), Janus-1, and AzaadiSAT-2 into a 450-kilometre orbit. The mission is successful.

SSLV-D2: The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO's) smallest launch vehicle has successfully placed three payloads into the intended orbit. The rocket, called the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) placed the satellites EOS-07 (Earth-Observation Satellite-07), Janus-1, and AzaadiSAT-2 into a 450-kilometre orbit, ISRO Chief S Somanath announced during a livestream. 

ISRO launched the SSLV-D2 mission, the second developmental flight of SSLV, on February 10, 2023, at 9:18 am IST, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. SSLV-D2 was a 15-minute flight. 

ISRO developed SSLV to cater to the emerging global small satellite launch services market. SSLV has the capability to launch on demand. 

All About SSLV 

SSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle configured with three solid propulsion stages and a terminal stage. A solid propulsion rocket stage uses solid propellants as the fuel. The terminal stage is a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM). 

According to ISRO, SSLV has a diameter of 2.1 metres and a length of 34 metres. The liftoff mass of the launch vehicle is approximately 120 tonnes. The launch vehicle is capable of launching payloads weighing up to 500 kilograms to low-Earth orbit (LEO). 

The key features of SSLV are low cost, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, 'launch on demand' feasibility, low turnaround time (the time taken to complete a process), minimal launch infrastructure requirements, and increased production rate from industries. 

Also, SSLV has the minimum launch pad occupancy, which means that integration of the vehicle and subsequent launch can be completed within 24 hours. 

SSLV has multiple satellite mounting options for nanosatellites, micro satellites, and mini satellites. The launch vehicle can carry a single satellite weighing up to 500 kilograms to a 500-kilometre planar orbit. 

SSLV can carry payload weighing up to 300 kilograms to Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). 

The Velocity Trimming Module (VLT) is equipped with a payload adapter. The first, second, and third stages are known as SS1, SS2, and SS3, respectively. 

According to Gunter's Space Page, the first stage of SSLV is related to the Agni-3 and Agni-5 IRBM (Intermediate-range ballistic missile) motors, but has a new design. 

All About SSLV-D2 Mission

The objectives of the SSLV-D2 mission were the demonstration of a designed payload capacity of SSLV in low-Earth orbit, and the injection of an Earth Observation Satellite and two passenger satellites into a 450-kilometre circular orbit. SSLV-D2 successfully completed its objectives. 

EOS-07 is a satellite designed and developed by ISRO. It weighs 156.3 kilograms. It was developed at U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), an ISRO centre for the design, development and construction of Indian satellites. EOS-7 was placed into the intended orbit about 13 minutes after launch.

Janus-1 belongs to Antaris, a United States-based satellite software innovator. It weighs 11.5 kilograms. The satellite was placed into orbit about 95 seconds after EOS-07 was successfully placed into the intended orbit. 

AzaadiSAT-2 has been developed by about 750 girl students across India. They were guided by Space Kidz India, Chennai. AzaadiSAT-2 weighs 8.7 kilograms.