Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (or SSLV)

About SSLV:

• Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (or SSLV) is developed by the ISRO.

Aim:

• It was developed with the aim of launching small satellites commercially at drastically reduced price and higher launch rate as compared to PSLV.

Features:

• It has a payload capacity of 500 kg to Low Earth orbit or 300 kg to Sun synchronous orbit.
• The first three stages of the vehicle use solid propellant, with a fourth stage being a velocity-trimming module.
• Unlike the PSLV and GSLV, the SSLV can be assembled both vertically and horizontally.
• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) at Thumba completed the design for the vehicle.
• The development cost of SSLV is ?120 crore and the manufacturing cost is expected to be ?30 crore to ?35 crore.

Operated by?

• SSLV aims to cater to the commercial satellite launch market and it is to be operated by Antrix Corporation, ISRO’s commercial arm.
• A new spaceport, under development, near Kulasekharapatnam in Tamil Nadu will handle SSLV launches when complete.

Quick access to space:

• The SSLV promises on-demand access to space, with the rocket assembly taking a mere 15 days and minimum personnel to do it.

Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (or SSLV):
1.It was developed with the aim of launching small satellites commercially.
2.It has a maximum payload capacity of 1000 kg.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2 
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to the Prelims Question