The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the design for its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). This miniature rocket, colloquially known as the ‘baby rocket’, promises to revolutionise the way we access space, offering a significantly reduced assembly time and requiring fewer personnel to operate. With its unique capability to accommodate small satellites, such as nanosats and cubesats, the SSLV is poised to make waves in the burgeoning small satellite market.
The Unique Design of the SSLV
The SSLV is designed specifically to meet the needs of small satellites. It provides a payload capacity of 500-700 kilograms in the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO), which is less than a third of the weight that the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) can carry. This makes the SSLV a more accessible option for small satellites that would otherwise have to piggyback on larger ones.
The SSLV utilises a three-stage solid propulsion system, similar to the PSLV and Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV). This allows it to accommodate multiple small satellites, unlike larger rockets which can only handle a single large satellite. Furthermore, the SSLV offers flexibility in assembly—it can be assembled both vertically and horizontally.
Accelerating Access to Space
The SSLV’s revolutionary design is set to drastically reduce waiting times for launching small satellites. Currently, many small satellites end up grounded due to a lack of available launchers. The SSLV promises to ease this congestion and provide more opportunities for primary research and development in the small satellite sector. This could be particularly beneficial with recent deregulation of small and micro satellites in the US having already stimulated growth in the launch service markets.
A New Era for Small Satellites
| Features | PSLV | SSLV |
|---|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 1,500-3,800kg | 500-700kg |
| Assembly Time | 30-40 days | 15 days |
| Multiple Satellites | Limited | Yes |
| Assembly Direction | Vertical only | Vertical or Horizontal |
The small satellite industry is rapidly innovating, with advancements in nanotechnology allowing for smaller and more efficient designs. These technological advances are reshaping what was once considered possible for small satellites, in some instances even outperforming larger ones in efficiency.
The Future of Small Satellite Launches
Despite the optimism surrounding the SSLV, challenges remain. Some industry entrepreneurs argue that the future small-satellite launch market will favor ridesharing and customized services on larger launch vehicles over dedicated small satellite launchers like the SSLV. However, the SSLV’s unique design features may yet tip the balance in its favour, proving that when it comes to space launches, small can indeed be mighty.
