NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is a commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is responsible for providing end-to-end SSLV launch services for customer satellites. SSLV, which stands for Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, is a 3-stage launch vehicle with three solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage. It is designed to cater to the emerging market for launching small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

SSLV Specifications and Capabilities

The SSLV is 2 meters in diameter, 34 meters in length, and has a lift-off weight of approximately 120 tonnes. It is capable of launching Mini, Micro, or Nanosatellites with a mass of 10 to 500 kg to a 500 km Low Earth Orbit. The SSLV launch vehicle is configured with three solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.

SSLV’s Advantages over other Launch Vehicles

NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and SSLV Launch Services

NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is a commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is responsible for providing end-to-end SSLV launch services for customer satellites. SSLV, which stands for Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, is a 3-stage launch vehicle with three solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage. It is designed to cater to the emerging market for launching small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

SSLV Specifications and Capabilities

The SSLV is 2 meters in diameter, 34 meters in length, and has a lift-off weight of approximately 120 tonnes. It is capable of launching Mini, Micro, or Nanosatellites with a mass of 10 to 500 kg to a 500 km Low Earth Orbit. The SSLV launch vehicle is configured with three solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.

SSLV’s Advantages over other Launch Vehicles

The SSLV launch vehicle has several advantages over other launch vehicles. Some of these include:

  1. Reduced Turnaround Time: The SSLV launch vehicle can be assembled quickly, which means that it has a reduced turnaround time. This makes it ideal for launch-on-demand services.
  2. Cost-Effective: The SSLV launch vehicle is less expensive to produce and launch than other launch vehicles. This makes it a more cost-effective option for launching small satellites.
  3. Requires Lesser Infrastructure and Manpower: Unlike other launch vehicles, the SSLV launch vehicle requires less infrastructure and manpower to operate. This makes it a more accessible option for countries and organizations with limited resources.
  4. Can be Assembled Vertically and Horizontally: Unlike other launch vehicles, the SSLV launch vehicle can be assembled both vertically and horizontally. This makes it a more versatile option for launch sites that have limited space.

SSLV’s Potential Contribution to India’s Space Economy

India currently has a 2% share in the global space economy of $360 billion. However, with the introduction of the SSLV launch vehicle, this share could increase to over 10%. This is because the SSLV launch vehicle caters to the emerging market for launching small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). With the increasing demand for small satellites, the SSLV launch vehicle could help India become a significant player in the global space economy.

MCQs about “Advantages of the SSLV Launch Vehicle for Small Satellite Launches”

  1. What is SSLV?
    A. A launch vehicle for large satellites
    B. A launch vehicle for medium-sized satellites
    C. A launch vehicle for small satellites
    D. A launch vehicle for space tourism
    Correct Answer: C. A launch vehicle for small satellites
    Explanation: SSLV stands for Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, which is designed to launch small satellites into Low Earth Orbit.
  2. Which of the following is NOT an advantage of SSLV over other launch vehicles?
    A. Can be assembled quickly and in both vertical and horizontal orientations
    B. Cost-effective
    C. Requires less infrastructure and manpower
    D. Longer turnaround time
    Correct Answer: D. Longer turnaround time
    Explanation: The SSLV launch vehicle has the advantages of reduced turnaround time, cost-effectiveness, and lesser infrastructure and manpower requirements, but it does not have a longer turnaround time.
  3. How could the SSLV launch vehicle potentially contribute to India’s space economy?
    A. By launching large communication satellites
    B. By manufacturing satellites
    C. By launching small satellites into Low Earth Orbit
    D. By providing space tourism services
    Correct Answer: C. By launching small satellites into Low Earth Orbit
    Explanation: The SSLV launch vehicle is designed to cater to the emerging market for launching small satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). With the increasing demand for small satellites, the SSLV launch vehicle could help India become a significant player in the global space economy.

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