ISRO all set for SSLV-D2/EPS-07 mission tomorrow

Chennai, Feb 9 (Agency) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all geared up for the launch of the second developmental flight of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2) from the spaceport of Sriharikota tomorrow. SSLV-D2, carrying the 156.3 kg Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-07) as the primary payload, and two other co-passenger satellites, Janus-1 (10.2 kg) and AzaadiSAT-2 (8.8 kg)s will take to the skies from the First Launch Pad at 0918 hours. After a flight duration of 15 minutes, SSLV-D2 will inject EOS-07, Janus-1 and AzaadiSAT-2 satellites into a 450 km circular orbit with an inclination. of 37.2 deg to the equator.

The six-and-a-half countdown for the launch will begin at 2.48 A.M.early tomorrow morning, ISRO sources said. The 34 m tall SSLV, with a lift of mass of 119 tonnes, caters to the launch of up to 500 kg satellites (mini, micro or nano satellites–10 to 500 kg mass) into a 500 km planar orbit. It will take satellites to Low Earth Orbits on ‘launch-on-demand’ basis. It provides low-cost access to Space, offers low turn-around time and flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, and demands minimal launch infrastructure.

It is configured with three solid propulsion stages and a velocity terminal module. EOS-07 designed, developed and realized by ISRO. New experiments include mm-Wave Humidity Sounder and Spectrum Monitoring Payload. Janus-1 belongs to ANTARIS, USA and AzaadiSAT-2 is a combined effort of about 750 girl students across India guided by Space Kidz India, Chennai. Mission of SSLV was demonstration of designed Payload capability of SSLV in LEO and in-flight performance of SSLV vehicle systems. The first SSLV mission in August last year proved unsuccessful and the Failure Analysis Committee of ISRO in its report said that vibration disturbance led to the satellites not injected into the precise orbit. ISRO has made some changes in SSLV-D2 based on the recommendations of the Committee.