The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a historic mission on Sunday as its small-lift launch vehicle – carrying a student satellite and an earth observation satellite – lifted off from Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota. This was the maiden flight of the SSLV.
However a data loss in the latter stages of the rocket’s flight has complicated the inaugural launch of a new rocket from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) carrying two satellites.
A stable orbit for the two satellites on board the 120-ton Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is now being investigated by ISRO scientists and engineers.
It is impossible to deem the operation successful until this is made obvious.
“SSLV-D1 performed as expected at all stages. In the terminal phase of the mission, some data loss is occurring. We are analysing the data to conclude the final outcome of the mission with respect to achieving a stable orbit,” ISRO chairman S Somanath said.
The SSLV is carrying Earth Observation Satellite -02 and a co-passenger satellite AzaadiSAT — developed by the student team of ‘Space Kidz India’, an aerospace organisation that aims to create government school students with basic understanding and knowledge of space.
The “AzaadiSAT” comprises 75 payloads built by 750 school students to mark the 75th Anniversary of Independence.
