ISRO To Launch 'Trailblazing Satellite' On SSLV Rocket; Here's All About It

To add more cheers to India's Independence Day, ISRO's ambitious small rocket, the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), is now all set for launch.

The SSLV will carry an experimental Earth imaging satellite, EOS-8, along with the SR-0 Demo Sat, developed by Chennai-based startup Space Rickshaw.

The launch is scheduled for Friday (16 August) morning from Sriharikota, aiming to place the satellites into low Earth orbit, as per a report by NDTV.

Dr M Sankaran, Director of the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) stated, "It is a trailblazing satellite packed with new futuristic technologies. The small 175 kg, EOS-8 satellite is packed with new and novel experimental technologies that will help power ISRO's and India's dreams." 

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ISRO's first SSLV flight in 2022 ended in failure, but its second flight on 10 February 2023, was a success. After this third flight, ISRO plans to transfer SSLV technology to the industry.

ISRO notes that nearly 21 new technologies are being tested during this launch. The startup Space Rickshaw will also launch a half-kg satellite.

A unique instrument onboard the EOS-8 satellite will measure UV light exposure, serving as a precursor to a similar device to be used on Gaganyaan to measure UV exposure faced by "Gaganyatris" on their space mission.

The SSLV is a slim, lightweight rocket capable of carrying a few hundred kilograms into space, with a key advantage of a turnaround time within a week. ISRO hopes the industry will fully take over the SSLV and make it a commercial success, with potential future uses as a missile.

ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath stated, "By its sheer simplicity and production friendliness, SSLV will be a game changer in the industry production and launch goal for commercial launchers of India."

India aims to enter the rapidly growing small satellite launch market, which is expanding quickly.

While ISRO does not disclose exact costs, analysts estimate that each SSLV launch will cost around Rs 30-35 crore, making it one of the most affordable launchers in its class.

According to the same report, the global small satellite industry was valued at $3.25 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $13.71 billion by 2030. Therefore, the potential for SSLV commercialisation is substantial.

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