ISRO launches its entry in small satellite launch vehicle market with SSLV-D2 rocket

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday launched its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota and successfully placed the earth observation satellite EOS-07 and two co-passenger satellites — Janus-1 and AzaadiSat2 — in a 450-km circular orbit around the Earth (PTI)

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   The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday launched its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota and successfully placed the earth observation satellite EOS-07 and two co-passenger satellites — Janus-1 and AzaadiSat2 — in a 450-km circular orbit around the Earth (PTI)

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   In ISRO’s first launch of 2023, the 34-metre tall rocket lifted off at the end of a six-and-a-half hour countdown at about 9:18 am (PTI)

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   The launch comes months after the partial failure of the maiden flight of this LV due to an orbit anomaly and deviation in the flight path of the rocket. (PTI)

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   The objective of ISRO’s mission, which lasted all of 15 minutes, is to place these three satellites in an orbit around the Earth. (PTI)

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   “Currently, we are preparing for the next launch of GSLV Mark III leading to the launch of OneWeb India 236 satellites. So we are preparing for that launch. This launch will take place around mid-March,” ISRO chief, S Somnath, said during a press conference after the launch. (PTI)

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   Students who designed ISRO's AzadiSAT pose for photos as they arrive to watch the launch of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle. (PTI)

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   The new vehicle was developed to further ISRO’s efforts towards capturing he emerging small and micro satellite commercial market. The rocket can be assembled by a small team in only a few days, compared to the six months and around 600 people it takes for ISRO’s workhorse PSLV. (PTI)