ISRO to launch new rocket SSLV-D2 today

Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation is set to launch the second developmental flight of a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2) on Friday.

The launch of the rocket is scheduled from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. It will be launched at 9:18 am.

The three satellites that SSLV-D2 will attempt to launch are ISRO’s EOS-07, US-based firm Antaris’ Janus-1 and Chennai-based space start-up SpaceKidz’s AzaadiSAT-2.

ISRO said SSLV caters to the launch of up to 500 kg satellites to low earth orbits on ‘launch-on-demand’ basis. It provides low-cost access to space, offers low turn-around time and flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, and demands minimal launch infrastructure.

The SSLV is a 34 m tall, 2 m diameter vehicle having a lift-off mass of 120 tonnes. The rocket is configured with three solid propulsion stages and a velocity terminal module.

On February 8, the ISRO tweeted: “SSLV-D2/EOS-07 Mission: launch is scheduled for Feb 10, 2023, at 09:18 hrs IST from Sriharikota. Intended to inject EOS-07, Janus-1 & AzaadiSAT-2 satellites into a 450 km circular orbit Vehicle ready at the launch pad undergoing final phase checks.”