By Venkatachari Jagannathan Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh) 7 Aug : The first launch of India’s first rocket has the nation in the dark about the outcome on Sunday morning.
In the hope of celebrating in the lead of the country’s 75th year of Independence in style , the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched its newly-minted rocket Small Satellite Launch Vehicle – Developmental Flight (SSLV-D1).
In its first flight of development the SSLV-D1 was to launch an earth observation satellite 02 (EOS-02) previously called Microsatellite-2 which weighed 85 kg.It was accompanied by the eight-pound AZAADISAT constructed by students from 750 of government schools that were supported by SpaceKidz India.
Around 9.18 a.m.The rocket broke loose of the launch pad that was previously at this point and began its climb.The rocket’s flight was easy with all of its solid fuel engines running well.
After 12 minutes of flight, the rocket appears have encountered a problem, and the fate of the two satellites is in suspense.
The mission was discussed in detail.the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) S.Somanath said: “The SSLV-D1 mission was completed.All phases of the rocket worked exactly as planned.There was some data loss in the final stage of the rocket.”
He said that the information is being gathered in order to know the situation.
The three-staged SSLV is powered by solid fuel (total 99.2 ton) and also features the velocity trimming module (VTM) powered by 0.05 ton of liquid fuel to ensure precisely injected of satellites.
The latest rocket from India is 34 meters tall and weighs a whopping 120 tons.
As per the flight schedule that is just over 12 minutes into the flight, the SSLV-D1 will launch to space the satellite EOS-2.It will then the AZAADISAT just a few seconds later.
According to ISRO SSLV is a ready-to transfer rocket with modular and unison system with standard interfaces that can be used for production in the field.
The SSLV design drivers have a low-cost, have a low turnaround times, and flexible in the ability to accommodate multiple satellites launch-on demand feasibility and minimal requirements for launch infrastructure and many more, ISRO said.
The commercial division of ISRO, NewSpace India Ltd plans to transfer SSLV technology to production in the private sector.
The Indian space agency has said that the EOS-02 satellite was an experimental optical imaging satellite with high spatial resolution.
The goal is to build and launch an imaging satellite that is experimental with rapid turnaround time and demonstrate the capability to launch on demand.
The launch of small satellites could be a major aspect in the space sector in general with approximately 7,000 satellites predicted to be in the sky in 2027.V.K.Saraswat the member of Niti Aayog, had stated at a space conference.
In total, around 700 small satellites are scheduled to launch between 2018 between 2027 and 2027 with an estimated cost of $38 billion Saraswat said.
(Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at [email protected])
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