ISRO is All set for the Third and Final Developmental Flight of SSLV-D3

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is gearing up for the third and final developmental flight of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), designated SSLV-D3. This mission, scheduled for July 10, 2024, marks a significant milestone in ISRO's efforts to provide cost-effective and efficient launch services for small satellites.

The SSLV is specifically designed to cater to the growing demand for launching mini, micro, and nano satellites. It is a lightweight vehicle, weighing about 110 tonnes, and can carry payloads up to 500 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO) and 300 kg to Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). The SSLV stands out for its low cost, quick turnaround time, and flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, making it a valuable asset for both commercial and scientific purposes.

The second developmental flight, SSLV-D2, successfully launched on February 10, 2023, placing three satellites (EOS-07, Janus-1, and AzaadiSAT-2) into their designated 450 km circular orbit within a 15-minute flight. This mission helped validate the SSLV's design and performance, following the partial failure of the first developmental flight, SSLV-D1, in August 2022 due to a software issue during the second stage separation.

The lessons learned from SSLV-D2 have been incorporated into the SSLV-D3 iteration, further enhancing its reliability and performance. The upcoming SSLV-D3 mission is expected to solidify ISRO's position in the small satellite launch market, providing a versatile and reliable option for launching small payloads on demand.

This mission is not just a technical achievement but also a strategic move to strengthen India's space capabilities and foster greater collaboration with the private sector in satellite manufacturing and launch services. The successful deployment of the SSLV will enable ISRO to increase its launch frequency and better serve the global small satellite market, supporting various applications from earth observation to scientific research.

Overall, the SSLV-D3 launch represents a crucial step in ISRO's journey towards offering competitive and efficient launch services, thereby advancing India's space exploration and satellite deployment capabilities.