SSLV-D2: ISRO Announces Launch Date For Second Developmental Flight Of Its Smallest Rocket. All About It

SSLV-D2 will be launched from the First Launch Pad, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It will be a 15-minute flight.

SSLV-D2: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the launch date of the second developmental flight of its smallest launch vehicle, the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). The mission, called SSLV-D2 or EOS-07, is scheduled for launch on February 10, 2023, at 9:18 am IST. 

The mission will be launched from the First Launch Pad, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. 

All about SSLV-D2

The SSLV-D2 mission will be a 15-minute flight. Earth Observation Satellite-07 (EOS-07), Janus-1 and AzaadiSAT-2 satellites will be launched into a 450-kilometre orbit. 

According to ISRO, the vehicle is ready at the final launch pad and is undergoing final phase checks.

The maiden mission of SSLV had failed to place its payloads into the intended orbit. 

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. 

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. 

Janus-1 belongs to Antaris, a United States-based satellite. It weighs 10.2 kilograms. AzaadiSAT-2 has been developed by about 750 girl students across India. They were guided by Space Kidz India, Chennai. 

The objectives of the SSLV-D2 mission are 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.