The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the third and final development flight of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) on August 16 at 9:17 am. This mission will carry the 175-kg Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-08), marking a significant milestone as it is the last flight ISRO is authorised to conduct with this vehicle.

How Can You Watch SSLV Launch Live?

ISRO has invited enthusiasts to watch the launch of the mission from SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota.

SSLV-D3/EOS-08 Mission:
Citizens are invited to witness the launch from SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota by registering here from 6 pm IST, todayhttps://t.co/J9jd8ymp2a

Brochure: https://t.co/LQ5Sbgd937 pic.twitter.com/1jzA7yu0fe

— ISRO (@isro) August 13, 2024

In case you missed the registrations, you can also watch the launch event on ISRO’s official YouTube channel.

What Is SSLV?

For those unaware, the SSLV, a compact rocket designed for quick deployment of small payloads, was developed by ISRO to meet the rising global demand for small launch vehicles. These vehicles are sought after for their ability to rapidly assemble and launch small and micro-satellites into low Earth orbit.

The SSLV stands out with its compact design, measuring just 2 metres in diameter and 34 meters in length. It operates using three solid fuel-based stages, with a final liquid-fuel stage employed to precisely adjust the satellite’s velocity and ensure accurate placement in orbit.

Development Challenges

The SSLV programme has faced challenges along the way. Its first test flight in August 2022 encountered issues during the second stage separation, leading to an unsuccessful mission. A subsequent investigation revealed that excessive vibrations during the stage separation caused the onboard system to misinterpret sensor data, resulting in the satellites being placed in an unsustainable orbit.

However, the vehicle rebounded with a successful mission in February 2023, successfully deploying three satellites into a 450-km circular orbit.

Why Does SSLV Matter?

ISRO is now transitioning the SSLV technology to private industry, with at least six companies vying to acquire the technology for commercial use. Future SSLV missions will be conducted by a private entity selected through this process, according to ISRO officials.

Notably, New Space India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, has already signed an agreement with an Australian company, Space Machines Company, to launch a satellite using a privately operated SSLV shortly.

The Australian satellite, designed to repair other satellites in orbit, will be among the first to benefit from this transition.

As ISRO prepares for this final development flight, the success of this mission will pave the way for the SSLV’s future as a commercial asset, operated by the private sector.