India’s space research organisation ISRO has published a detailed report on why SSLV- D1 could not achieve it’s mission on Aug 7th 2022. As expected ISRO learnt it’s lessons, made “course corrections” and announced SSLV’s 2nd launch will be in Feb 2023.

Here’s a brief description of what went wrong and what will be launched soon.

SSLV is small satellite launch vehicle.

Why SSLV important for India?

~It’ll help launch small & medium satellites, with a payload capacity to deliver 500 kg (1,100 lb) to low Earth orbit (500 km (310 mi)

~ PSLV can concentrate on heavier launches

~SSLV is costs less and has a low turnaround of just 72 hours (compare it to PSLV 45-60 days with the involvement of 600 people). Faster assembly gives it ‘launch on demand” capability.

1st launch failure came with the loss of 2 Satellites (E02 & AzaadiSat).

The primary payload of SSLV is an Earth Observation Satellite called Microsat 2A or EOS-02 

What went wrong in SSLV- D1 launch?

The ISRO report says

~ vibration disturbance for a short duration in 2nd stage

~ Failure of logic to identify a sensor failure and go for salvage action

~ Satellites were to be inserted into circular orbit instead they were placed in highly elliptical orbit. As a result the satellites are no longer usable.

What is SSLV-D2 launch about?

Reports in January confirmed 2nd launch will be carried out in Feb 2023.

SSLV D2 ‘ll test a space-based aircraft monitoring system. Satellite-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). It’ll give details of all the aircrafts. Blind spots will now be covered! Apparently right now about 30% of the airspace across the globe cant be monitored.

ISRO said “SSLV-D2 is planned to be executed complying to the recommendations, its satisfactory implementation, review and approval by the authorized committees”.

All the best to the organisation which has always made India proud.