The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2) on Friday from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.

The organisation was also successful in planting the earth observation satellite EOS-07 and two co-passenger satellites — Janus-1 and AzaadiSat2 in a 450-km circular orbit.

In ISRO’s first launch in 2023, the EOS-07 is 156.3 kg, Janus-1 is a 10.2 kg satellite, and the AzaadiSAT-2 is 8.7 kg.

The SSLV caters to the launch of satellites up to 500 kg on a ‘launch on demand’ basis to low earth orbits.

“It provides low-cost access to space, offers low turn-around time and flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, and demands minimal launch infrastructure.”

ISRO’s new vehicle was developed to capture the emerging small and micro satellite commercial market. It can be assembled by a small team in a couple of days.

While EOS-07 was made and realised by ISRO, the other two were combined efforts of 750 girl students across India guided by Space Kidz India, Chennai.

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