Context: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has bagged a Transfer of Technology deal from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), valued at ₹511 crore, to build and operate Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs). This deal will enable commercialisation of SSLV launches.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
About Small Satellite Launch Vehicle
- The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is the new small satellite launch vehicle developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to cater to the emerging global small satellite launch service market.
- It is designed to meet 'Launch on Demand' requirements in a cost-effective manner.
- It is a three-stage Launch Vehicle configured with three Solid fuel Propulsion Stages. It also has a liquid propulsion based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.
- SSLV is capable of launching Mini, Micro, or Nanosatellites (10 to 500 kg mass) up to 500 km in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- It is capable of multiple orbital drop-offs i.e., launch multiple microsatellites in one launch.
- SSLVs will cost 1/10th of a PSLV and will need only 72 hours for launch in comparison to 70 days for PSLV.
- Manufacturing of SSLV will be through Indian industry partners led by New Space India Limited, ISRO's commercial arm.
Advantages:
- Reduced Turn-around time
- Launch-on-Demand i.e., it can be launched on a short-time based on the demand for launch services
- Flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites in one launch (Ride Sharing/ multiple orbital drop-offs)
- Minimum launch infrastructure requirement
- Cost optimisation i.e., provides low-cost access to Space.