India: ISRO Achieve Milestone with Successful Final SSLV Launch

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the third developmental flight of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) on August 16 at 9.17 am from Sriharikota. The SSLV-D3 mission showcased ISRO's advancing satellite deployment technology and paved way for the commercial launches by India.

SSLV Successful Launch:

The SSLV-D3, carrying the Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-08) and the passenger satellite SR-0 DEMOSAT, achieved its objective by placing both satellites into their intended orbits with precise accuracy.

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath addressed the Mission Control Centre, celebrating the success of the SSLV-D3 flight. "The third developmental flight of LV-D3 with the EOS-08 satellite has been successfully accomplished," Somanath said. 

Somanath confirmed that all mission parameters were met with precision and that the solar panels of the satellite had already been deployed. The rocket has placed the spacecraft into the precise orbit as planned, and there were no deviations during the satellite injection process.

Mission Director S. S. Vinod also expressed gratitude to the team and management, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the mission's success. 

SSLV D3 Mission:

The SSLV  D-3 mission is expected to elevate the commercial satellite launch operations of NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL). This work comes after the success of the SSLV-D2-EOS-07 mission in February 2023 and represents ISRO's third mission of 2024.

The SSLV-D3 mission is poised to strengthen the collaboration between ISRO, the Indian industry, and NSIL. At 34 meters tall, the SSLV is ISRO's smallest rocket and has the capability to transport payloads of up to 500 kg into low earth orbit.

The primary objectives of the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission encompass the design and development of a microsatellite, the creation of payload instruments, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies for future operational satellites. 

The completion of this successful mission marks ISRO's preparation to transfer SSLV technologies to industry, laying the groundwork for the evolution of small satellite launches and the further advancement of space exploration. The SSLV final launch paves the way for the commercial launches by the Indian industry and NewSpace India Ltd.