On August 16, just a day after India’s Independence Day, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) will conduct an important launch. A small rocket, also known as a “baby rocket,” will carry the EOS-8 Earth imaging satellite into space. Along with it, a demo satellite named SR-0, or “Space Rickshaw,” will also be launched. This Space Rickshaw was developed by a startup in Chennai. The launch will take place from the Sriharikota launch center.
Why This Launch is Special
This launch is significant because India is relying on a small rocket for the mission. The baby rocket is officially named the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). According to NDTV, Dr. M. Shankaran, Director of the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), stated that the EOS-8 satellite incorporates future technologies. The satellite weighs 175 kilograms.
Previous SSLV Mission
The first flight of the SSLV in 2022 was unsuccessful. However, the second flight on February 10, 2023, was successful. ISRO believes that after the third flight, the technology of the SSLV can be transferred to the industry.
Space Rickshaw Details
The Space Rickshaw satellite that this rocket will carry weighs just half a kilogram.
Features of SSLV Rocket
The market for satellite launches is growing rapidly. To meet this demand, ISRO developed the SSLV. The rocket stands 34 meters tall and weighs 120 tons. It can carry satellites weighing up to 500 kilograms into Low Earth Orbit, which is about 350-400 kilometers above the Earth. In comparison, India’s heaviest rocket, GSLV Mk 3, weighs 640 tons. The SSLV took over seven years to build and cost about 170 crore rupees.
