ISRO introduces new launch vehicle SSLV - D2 to the world by launching 3 satellites

On Friday 10th Feb 2023, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched it’s new Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) with three payloads weighing 350 Kilograms. The 3 satellites were - Earth Observation Satellite – 07 (EOS-07), Janus-1 and AzaadiSAT-2. It was a 15 minutes flight into the Low Earth Orbit of 450 kilometer above the Earth.

SSLV, the sixth launch vehicle has been designed and developed by ISRO to shoulder the burden of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and to cater the small satellite launch. SSLV has the capability to launch on demand. SSLV was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota carrying 3 payloads.



SSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle configured with three solid propulsion stages and a terminal stage. A solid propulsion rocket stage uses solid propellants as the fuel. The terminal stage is a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM). After the launch of SSLV, the three stages of SSLV performed nominally as expected by Isro. However, all eyes were on the liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module, which was used as a terminal stage. Following the three stages of separating from the rocket, the VTM ignited to provide the desired 450 kilometer circular orbit to deploy the satellite. The three satellites were then deployed in the desired orbit following VTM's orbital corrections.

EOS-07 is a satellite designed and developed by ISRO. It weighs 156.3 kilograms. It was developed at U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), an ISRO centre for the design, development and construction of Indian satellites. EOS-7 was placed into the intended orbit about 13 minutes after launch.

Janus-1 belongs to Antaris, a United States-based satellite software innovator. It weighs 11.5 kilograms. The satellite was placed into orbit about 95 seconds after EOS-07 was successfully placed into the intended orbit.

AzaadiSAT-2 has been developed by about 750 girl students across India. They were guided by Space Kidz India, Chennai. AzaadiSAT-2 weighs 8.7 kilograms.