SMALL SATELLITE LAUNCHING VEHICLES (SSLV)
1. Context
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the third development flight — the last one it is authorised to undertake — of the small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV)
2. What is a small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV)?
A Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a type of rocket specifically designed to carry small satellites, typically weighing up to 500 kilograms, into space. SSLVs are engineered for cost-effective, flexible, and rapid deployment of these smaller payloads into low Earth orbit (LEO). These launch vehicles are increasingly important due to the growing demand for launching small satellites for purposes like Earth observation, communication, scientific research, and technology demonstrations
Key Features of SSLV:
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Size and Capacity: SSLVs are smaller and lighter than traditional rockets, making them suitable for launching payloads of small to medium-sized satellites.
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Cost-Effective: The development and launch costs of SSLVs are significantly lower than those of larger launch vehicles. This makes them an attractive option for both commercial and government missions that require deploying small satellites.
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Rapid Deployment: SSLVs are designed to be quickly assembled and launched, reducing the turnaround time between launches. This rapid deployment capability is especially valuable for time-sensitive missions.
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Flexibility: SSLVs offer greater flexibility in terms of launch schedules and orbital insertions, as they can be launched on demand and tailored to specific mission requirements.
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Multiple Payloads: Some SSLVs are capable of deploying multiple small satellites in a single mission, optimizing the use of resources and further reducing costs
| The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) developed its own SSLV to meet the growing demand for small satellite launches. The SSLV is capable of carrying payloads of up to 500 kg to low Earth orbit and is designed for quick turnaround and cost-effective launches |
3. What are the advantages of using SSLV?
Using a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) offers several advantages, particularly in the context of the growing demand for launching small satellites.
Here are the key benefits:
- SSLVs are cheaper to develop and launch compared to larger rockets. This makes space access more affordable for smaller companies, startups, and research institutions
- SSLVs can carry multiple small satellites on a single mission, allowing the costs to be shared among different payload providers
- SSLVs are designed for rapid assembly and deployment, reducing the time between launches. This is particularly useful for time-sensitive missions
- SSLVs offer greater flexibility in scheduling launches, allowing operators to choose specific windows for launching their satellites based on mission requirements
- SSLVs can be dedicated to launching a single small satellite or a specific constellation of small satellites, ensuring that the payload is placed in the exact orbit required without waiting for a larger payload
- Small satellite operators no longer need to wait for a rideshare opportunity on a larger rocket, which can lead to delays and suboptimal orbits
- The lower cost and flexibility of SSLVs make space more accessible to universities, research institutions, startups, and smaller countries that might not have the resources to fund larger missions
- The availability of SSLVs encourages innovation and investment in space technologies, contributing to the growth of the space industry
- SSLVs can deploy multiple small satellites in different orbits during the same mission, enhancing the versatility of each launch
- SSLVs can be used for a wide range of missions, including Earth observation, communication, scientific research, and technology demonstration
4.What are PSLVs and GSLVs?
- The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), introduced in 1994, represents the third generation of Indian satellite launch vehicles.
- To date, it has achieved over 50 successful launches. Often referred to as "ISRO's workhorse," the PSLV has reliably placed various satellites into low Earth orbits (below 2,000 km altitude) with a strong track record of success.
- The PSLV-XL variant can carry payloads of up to 1,860 kg. Meanwhile, Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLVs) have played a crucial role in deploying communication satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbits.
- According to the European Space Agency (ESA), telecommunications satellites are typically positioned in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO), which is a circular orbit located 35,786 kilometers above the Earth's equator
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For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains: Space technology, Important contributions of Indians in Science and Technology
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Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four- staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 2
D. 3 only
Answer: A
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Source: Indianexpress
