ISRO Successfully Conducts Ground Test Of Solid Booster Stage For Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

Why in news?

• The testing was carried out at Satish Dhawan Space Centre Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh).
• The successful test of the solid booster stage has given sufficient confidence to proceed with the first developmental (fight of SSW (SSLV-01). > ISRO usually declares a launch vehicle operational after two successful development flights.

About SSLV

• It is a three-stage all solid vehicle with the capability to launch up to 500 kg satellite mass into 500 km low earth orbit (LEO).
• It aims to cater to the emerging market for the launch of small satellites into LEDs.
• It Is the smallest vehicle at 110-ton mass at ISRO.
• Advantages of SSLV
• Reduced turnaround time (take only 72 hours to integrate, unlike the 70 days taken now).
• Cost-effective- cost will be only around Rs 30 crore
• Requires lesser infrastructure and manpower, as it can be assembled by a team of team of six experts within seven days.
• Unlike the PSLV and GSLV, the SSLV can be assembled both vertically and horizontally.
• Accommodate multiple satellites e.g., nano, micro, and small satellites.
• New Space India Limited, PSU under Department of Space will be the sole nodal agency responsible for providing end-to-end SSLV Launch services for customer satellites horn contractual, technical, programmatic, launch campaign etc.