Image Credits-Aaj Tak
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone today with the successful launch of the third and final developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D3) carrying the EOS-08 satellite. The mission was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marking the culmination of the SSLV’s development phase.
The SSLV-D3 mission, which took off smoothly from the coastal launch site, was declared a success as the rocket flawlessly deployed the EOS-08 satellite into its intended orbit. The SSLV, designed to cater to the growing demand for launching small satellites, is now set to transition from a developmental project to a fully operational launch vehicle, available for commercial production by private industry.
Rajarajan, the Director of SHAR, hailed the successful launch as a pivotal moment for ISRO and the Indian space industry. “It is a very cost-effective launch vehicle,” Rajarajan stated during the post-launch briefing. “The development stage is over from ISRO. So now we are planning to give, based on the expression of interest given by IN-SPACe, to the industries. Once they are evaluated, they will take over the production of this launch vehicle, and henceforth, it will be done by the industries.”
The SSLV is designed to offer a cost-effective and flexible solution for launching small satellites, catering to the needs of both commercial and governmental clients. With the developmental phase now complete, the SSLV is expected to be a game-changer in the global space launch market, offering a quicker and more economical option for deploying small payloads into low Earth orbit.
ISRO’s decision to hand over SSLV production to private industries aligns with its broader strategy of fostering public-private partnerships in the space sector. This move is expected to spur innovation and enhance India’s position as a competitive player in the global space industry.