Are you sure that this is the PSLV-3S (core alone variant minus second stage, if I understand correctly)? The CA variant is around 230 t in mass and the second stage is only around 40 t, very far from the 100 t figure quoted.I also doubt that any rocket with multiple segments solid stages can be prepared in 3 days and somehow shaves 90% of cost magically.
Preliminary work to design and develop an ambitious small launch vehicle began about three months ago
And the launcher should be able to put satellites of up to 500-600 kg in orbits close to the Earth
VSSC has designed the vehicle using the rocket technology that it already has and is awaiting ISRO’s approval
We are looking at having a demonstration launch in a year, in the 2018-19 time frame,
The development cost would be kept low at a few crore as the new launcher’s requirement of advanced electronics is considerably lower
A small launcher that can be got up perhaps in three days by a small team
According to Sivan, the preliminary design for the proposed four-stage rocket that would weigh around 100 tonnes is ready and its feasibility study has also been conducted
Sivan said the first rocket would be ready in two years once the project gets the necessary approvals.
The first of Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) 'baby rockets' in the making is likely to take to the skies in the first half of 2019, top officials of ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) said. Though a formal approval for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) project is still awaited, VSSC here at Thumba - ISRO's nodal agency for launch vehicles - has already started work on it, VSSC director K Sivan said.
On the launchpad, the SSLV will stand half as tall as a regular Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and weigh in the neighbourhood of 100 tonnes, Sivan said. "A PSLV weighs over 300 tonnes. The SSLV's weight would be around 100 tonnes and its height, 20-25 metres," he said. The PSLV, often dubbed the reliable workhorse of the ISRO, stands 44 metres tall in comparison.
The SSLV will place small satellites in the Low Earth Orbit "orbits with altitudes up to 2,000 km. "We hope to have the first flight of the SSLV in the first half of 2019. Across the globe, satellites are 'shrinking'. Now, small satellites go aboard the PSLV or GSLV as 'piggyback' payloads alongside bigger ones," Sivan said.The mission cost will be roughly one-tenth that of a PSLV mission. ISRO is planning to have the SSLV flying fully on solid fuel, but the technicalities have to be worked out, Sivan said. If things go as planned, the SSLV will be ISRO's smallest launch vehicle.
Perhaps the title of the thread should be changed to "SSLV set to launch by 2019"
Quote from: Skyrocket on 01/02/2018 10:11 amPerhaps the title of the thread should be changed to "SSLV set to launch by 2019"The article says first half of 2019. So, are there any Indian ICBMs that are about 100 t? The Agni III and Agni V are only 50 t. Agni VI is 55 to 70 t and is still is in development.
"Beyond these, we are developing a new launch vehicle to put small satellites to space.We want to hand over its technology and production to industry right from the beginning after doing one or two technology demonstration flights. We will do this through [ISRO's business entity] Antrix Corporation."
...will be ready for launch by 2019. It will be able to carry 500kg - 700kg to LEO and will cost 1/10th the amount of a normal PSLV...
Can someone who is well versed with Indian missiles and rockets comment if existing solid rocket motors may have been used here?
Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/16/2018 10:27 amCan someone who is well versed with Indian missiles and rockets comment if existing solid rocket motors may have been used here?2m diameter matches the Agni-3/5 series; but none of the motor lengths match, as far as I can tell.
Looks like we have the first info of the composition of this new launcher:https://twitter.com/orfonline/status/964400636279205888Can someone who is well versed with Indian missiles and rockets comment if existing solid rocket motors may have been used here?
Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/16/2018 10:27 amLooks like we have the first info of the composition of this new launcher:https://twitter.com/orfonline/status/964400636279205888Can someone who is well versed with Indian missiles and rockets comment if existing solid rocket motors may have been used here?The S85 looks like it is composed of various motor segments from the S139 which forms the first stage of PSLV and GSLV MK-2. The S-7 is the third stage of PSLV. S-4 seems to be a new motor. The optional fourth stage is the PS4 from PSLV. It looks like a very cost effective launch vehicle. I would put the cost at less then $5 million per launch.
Quote from: K210 on 02/16/2018 12:30 pmQuote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/16/2018 10:27 amLooks like we have the first info of the composition of this new launcher:https://twitter.com/orfonline/status/964400636279205888Can someone who is well versed with Indian missiles and rockets comment if existing solid rocket motors may have been used here?The S85 looks like it is composed of various motor segments from the S139 which forms the first stage of PSLV and GSLV MK-2. The S-7 is the third stage of PSLV. S-4 seems to be a new motor. The optional fourth stage is the PS4 from PSLV. It looks like a very cost effective launch vehicle. I would put the cost at less then $5 million per launch. No, the S85 has a different diameter than the the S139. The optional fourth stage is likely not the PS-4 from PSLV, which would be somewhat oversized.
Quote from: K210 on 02/16/2018 12:30 pmQuote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/16/2018 10:27 amLooks like we have the first info of the composition of this new launcher:https://twitter.com/orfonline/status/964400636279205888Can someone who is well versed with Indian missiles and rockets comment if existing solid rocket motors may have been used here?The S85 looks like it is composed of various motor segments from the S139 which forms the first stage of PSLV and GSLV MK-2. The S-7 is the third stage of PSLV. S-4 seems to be a new motor. The optional fourth stage is the PS4 from PSLV. It looks like a very cost effective launch vehicle. I would put the cost at less then $5 million per launch. That would be a world record even given the cost in India - but I have great doubts due to the big segmented first stage. This one is bigger than similar rockets in the US, Europe and Japan and their costs are in the $35 - 50 million range, and they use single body rocket motors. They will be pretty good if they can fly it at less than $20 million price (though ISRO won't be out of customers even at higher costs).
The PS4 has a diameter of 1.34m making it a perfect fit. Apart from PS4 isro has no other hypergolic upper stages.
with 500 kg payload to LEO and 116 t lift off mass, SSLV has a pretty poor payload ratio compared to other solid fuel rockets.
Quote from: Skyrocket on 02/17/2018 01:03 pmwith 500 kg payload to LEO and 116 t lift off mass, SSLV has a pretty poor payload ratio compared to other solid fuel rockets.That might be because for polar orbits, SSLV has to do a dog-leg to avoid Sri Lanka.
For comparison:Vega has a launch mass of 137 t and can orbit 1430 kg to LEO.Taurus/Minotaur-C has a launch mass of 73 t and can orbit 1320 kg to LEO.
May 4, 2018, 23:06 IST TNN[ Surendra Singh ]NEW DELHI: Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) will rope in private companies or consortiums for its mini-PSLV project aimed at tapping the small satellite launch market. Isro chairman K Sivan told TOI that the first such rocket is likely to be tested by the middle of next year. The project – first reported by TOI – involves assembling a small rocket in three days, at a lower cost. It takes 30 to 40 days to put together a normal PSLV, which is 44m tall and 2.8m in diameter. Dr Sivan said, "Isro will initially build one or two mini rockets. Thereafter, private companies will be given the contract to build them. Antrix (Isro’s commercial arm) is working on the business model.” The consortium of companies that will be given the task to build the mini rocket may include industry majors like Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Godrej Aerospace.
A PSLV costs around Rs150 crore, while a mini-PSLV can be made with one-tenth the money. The rocket will weight one-third that of a normal PSLV which weights 300 tonnes. The mini version will have a payload capacity of less than 700 kg, compared to a normal PSLV’s capacity to carry more than 1,750kg to a sun-synchronous polar orbit of 600km altitude.
India's space agency aims to create a consortium of companies to build and market a small rocket to launch low-weight satellites at lesser cost and within shorter durations, as it seeks to tap into burgeoning global demand for such services.Led by Antrix Corp - the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation - the consortium will include engineering major Larsen & Toubro, Godrej Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. The combine will help Isro build a small rocket capable of carrying 500 kilogram satellites into the lower earth orbit.
"Our aim is that one or two rockets will be launched by Isro, the industry should then make the rockets and launch satellites," said K Sivan, chairman of Isro in an interview with ET. He said Isro has approached these companies and that "they are all interested"."The price of a satellite launch on this small rocket is expected to be less than one-fifth of the current launch costs," Sivan added. The first development flight or launch of the rocket will be by 2019.
Typically, Isro takes around 45 days to assemble its workhorse the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The smaller rocket, to be powered by a solid booster, is expected to be ready for launch in three days.
S85 does seem a bit too big of a core to launch 500kgs to LEO. Simple delta-v calc would show a core 25ton block (S25) with S7 and S4 would be able to launch 500kgs to LEO considering delta-v losses of around 10% for drag and gravity which is the norm for a PSLV like vehicle. On top if you consider the dog-leg then they may need may be a S35 block. S85 seems an over-kill.
Not sure what they're basing any ranking on. What's IOC mean - "entry into service date"?
Quote from: PonRam on 08/03/2018 05:15 amS85 does seem a bit too big of a core to launch 500kgs to LEO. Simple delta-v calc would show a core 25ton block (S25) with S7 and S4 would be able to launch 500kgs to LEO considering delta-v losses of around 10% for drag and gravity which is the norm for a PSLV like vehicle. On top if you consider the dog-leg then they may need may be a S35 block. S85 seems an over-kill.I don't know the specifics but isro's solid motors do not use composite motor cases. This results in a worse thrust to weight ratio which results in the need for larger motors. Also the ISP for isro's solid motors are generally on the lower end which could also be a contributing factor towards the need for such a large first stage.
The SSLV ( small satellite launch vehicle ) is being developed at a furious pace at ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. The SSLV will be an on-demand rocket for small satellites weighing about 500-700 kg. It will be autonomous and highly intelligent, versatile and capable of adapting to different launch situations and requirements.
Its first test launch is planned for mid-2019. Once proven, the SSLV's production would be offered to industry through Antrix Corporation, according to ISRO Chairman K. Sivan.The SSLV is said to be Dr. Sivan's dream concept for a quick-response space vehicle, and the project was initiated when he was the Director of the VSSC until January this year.
Among the key missions to look for in 2019 will be the Chandrayaan-2, Aditya-L1 (India's solar mission) and two demonstration flights of the SSLV (small satellite launch vehicle).
Aside of this, the agency also plans to have two demonstration flights of the SSLV in May and October after which it can go into production phase. "These launch vehicles will cost one tenth of a PSLV and compared to about 45 days needed to prepare a launch vehicle for launch, this will need only 72 hours. Also, it needs only three to four people as opposed to 300. But it can only launch payloads with a mass of 500-700 kg and we hope that the industry can soon start making these," Sivan said.
Rakesh Sasibhushan, CMD Antrix said: “Antrix is looking at 50/60 launches SSLVs a year and in the next 10 years, we see a business potential of ₹1500-2000 crore annually.”
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its commercial wing Antrix on Wednesday said they are willing to outsource manufacturing of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) so that the space agency could focus on the proposed human space programme. ISRO held discussions a week ago with a consortium of industries regarding PSLV industrialisation with the objective of easing ISRO to focus on human space programme and research and development activities."Definitely, in my opinion, in the ISRO activity, industry is going to play a major role. If only the industry is taking the load, ISRO can work out on human space programme and research and development activities," ISRO chairman K Sivan said.He said the industry should help in manufacturing PSLV as well as SSLV, adding ISRO had already worked out a model. With this model in a year, the PSLV was supposed to be produced by the industry. "That is our ambition and target," Sivan said.He was addressing a press conference here to announce the Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX), a three-day event starting from September 6 at the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre(BIEC).BSX-2018 will have 100 exhibitors, 56 speakers, and 600 official delegates participating. There will be a separate pavilion for human space programme or Gaganyaan, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address this year.PM Modi had said an Indian astronaut would be sent to space by 2022. India will be the fourth country after the USA, Russia, and China to send humans to space. Sivan said informal discussions had been initiated with the Indian Air Force on selection of the crew. Once selected, it would take two-three years to train them.He also said ISRO would need to take the help of a foreign country for advanced training of the crew. "We have not decided which country we will choose for training. Russia, Germany, and USA have the facilities," Sivan added.On the PSLV outsourcing, the ISRO chief said industry partners Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Larsen and Tubro, Godrej were among those who took part in the discussions. "It is possible to produce PSLV from this consortium. Already we have started working on that," Sivan said.Sivan said the industry would have a huge role to play in Gaganyaan and in building facilities for mission control centre and launch pad. Antrix Managing Director Rakesh Sasibhushan said the small satellite service was an $18 billion market (roughly Rs. 1.27 lakh crores) and they were looking at 50-60 launch vehicles per year."We are looking for a 50-60 vehicles per year, which is definitely going to make it commercially viable to produce...So the general capacity we are building, we are looking at a revenue of around Rs. 1,500 crores to Rs. 2,000 crores per year," he said. Atrix was discussing with various industry players in this connection, he added.
Why does SSLV weigh 120tons? When other countries like USA has ICBM minuteman which can reach 1200km at 50 ton, why India can't make a similar ICBM type missile which can launch satellite to 500-600km orbit for 50-60tons?
In addition, ISRO is scouting for a location on the western sea coast near Gujarat to set up another launch pad for Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV).
“We have evaluated several locations. The first two SSLV launches will take place from Sriharikota. After that they will move to the new location,” the official said.
SHAR is both accessible as well as relatively less uninhabited.SHAR is on an island touching pulicat lake which has advantages for polar as well as equatorial launches.
On the launchpad, the SSLV will stand 34 metres tall, 10 metres shorter than the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and around 15 metres shorter than the Mk-II version of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch vehicle (GSLV). It is also a ‘thinner’ launch vehicle, possessing a diameter of just two metres.
With a lift-off mass of 120 tonnes, the SSLV can place a 500 kg payload at a height of 500 km in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The SSLV has three solid motor stages, and like the PSLV and GSLV, can accommodate multiple satellites, albeit smaller ones. Unlike the PSLV and GSLV, the SSLV can be assembled both vertically and horizontally.
It would be much better for the Indian Air Force to acquire and maintain their own separate launch capability, by carrying out their own SSLV launches to fulfill their mission requirements.Otherwise ISRO's going to wind up in the crosshairs.
Quote from: sanman on 02/24/2019 06:57 amIt would be much better for the Indian Air Force to acquire and maintain their own separate launch capability, by carrying out their own SSLV launches to fulfill their mission requirements.Otherwise ISRO's going to wind up in the crosshairs.Now you expect soldiers to become rocket scientists too?
Quote from: advaidhya on 03/25/2019 03:53 amQuote from: sanman on 02/24/2019 06:57 amIt would be much better for the Indian Air Force to acquire and maintain their own separate launch capability, by carrying out their own SSLV launches to fulfill their mission requirements.Otherwise ISRO's going to wind up in the crosshairs.Now you expect soldiers to become rocket scientists too?Actually militaries around world have such rockets. US got Minataur, Russia got SMART-I while China got Kuaizhou. Such quick reaction rockets facilitate to immediately fill the gap created NY ASATs. It's our version.
Quote from: A.K. on 03/25/2019 04:24 amQuote from: advaidhya on 03/25/2019 03:53 amQuote from: sanman on 02/24/2019 06:57 amIt would be much better for the Indian Air Force to acquire and maintain their own separate launch capability, by carrying out their own SSLV launches to fulfill their mission requirements.Otherwise ISRO's going to wind up in the crosshairs.Now you expect soldiers to become rocket scientists too?Actually militaries around world have such rockets. US got Minataur, Russia got SMART-I while China got Kuaizhou. Such quick reaction rockets facilitate to immediately fill the gap created NY ASATs. It's our version.My bad, not SMART-1. There's no Russian quick rocket in my knowledge.
What entity will be selling this launcher to customers? Antrix?
https://thewire.in/space/newspace-india-isro
There should be a separate thread for the SSLV launch instead of turning this launch vehicle discussion thread into a mission thread.
So is it possible to have a "kick stage" for SSLV, like there is for Rocketlab's Electron?Or is that out of the question?
Amid COVID-19 pandemic, Mission SSLV resumes at ISRO rocket launch station
New SSLV brochure as found at NSIL India's website.
Quote from: sanman on 12/20/2019 10:56 pmSo is it possible to have a "kick stage" for SSLV, like there is for Rocketlab's Electron?Or is that out of the question?Yes and no. The third stage is equipped with a trim module (FKA Post Boost Stage). It is assumed that these stages still separate but is no longer implied that it is a full on upper stage in newer documentation.
The article says that "a fault occurred in the nozzle section" during the SSLV engine static fire test.https://eenadu.net/apmukyamshalu/mainnews/general/25/121057539
Sriharikota, News Today: A technical glitch occurred during the motor test of the small satellite carrier (SSLV) conducted on Thursday at the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sharjah, the Indian Space Launch Center. Preparations are underway to launch the first small satellite carrier from Sharjah in April. As part of this, a constant test was performed on the SS1 solid fuel motor in the SSLV carrier and a fault occurred in the nozzle section. Scientists are conducting reviews to find out the error. ISRO will conduct a static test again after identifying and correcting the error.
The static test of first stage solid motor (SS1) of ISRO's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) -- a new-generation compact rocket -- was not successful, according to sources in ISRO. "Oscillation was noticed after 60 seconds into the test and nozzle was blown out near the bucket flange where it's attached with the motor at around 95 seconds", sources in the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency said.
It was supposed to be tested for a total duration of about 110 seconds, officials said.
New motor has to be static tested on the ground to prove its performance. If it is successful, one more of the same configuration is tested again for acceptance.If both are successful, no more ground test is required and third motor of the same configuration will be accepted for flight", an ISRO official said.
It is a three-stage all solid vehicle with a capability to launch up to 500 kg satellite mass into 500 km low earth orbit (LEO) and 300 kg to Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will soon transfer its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to the private sector, after conducting two development flights of the rocket that seeks to provide on-demand services to put satellites weighing up to 500 kg in a low-earth orbit.The space agency has decided to opt for the bidding route to transfer the mini-rocket to the industry, a senior official said.
"We will be transferring the SSLV completely to the private sector. Not just the manufacturing, but full transfer," the official said.
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-to-transfer-sslv-to-private-sector/article67060814.ece [July 09, 2023]QuoteThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will soon transfer its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to the private sector, after conducting two development flights of the rocket that seeks to provide on-demand services to put satellites weighing up to 500 kg in a low-earth orbit.The space agency has decided to opt for the bidding route to transfer the mini-rocket to the industry, a senior official said.Quote"We will be transferring the SSLV completely to the private sector. Not just the manufacturing, but full transfer," the official said.
Expression of Interest for Transfer of Technology of SSLVThe Demand for launch of small satellites into Low Earth orbit (LEO) has been phenomenally increased over the years and it is set to grow further. ISRO has developed Small Satellite launch vehicle, suitable for catering to this segment. Taking cognizance of global small satellite launch market, IN-SPACe has taken initiative to transfer the technology of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to private Indian industries who are keen on assimilating the technology, setting up manufacturing and business operations and competing in the global satellite launch market. In this context, applications are invited from Indian Industries in response to Expression of Interest (EoI) for the Technology Transfer of SSLV. Click here to download the EoI document.A Pre-EoI conference would be convened for the Indian Industries to get an overall familiarization of the SSLV and its associated systems/sub-systems. This conference will also enable the participating industries to get a good understanding of the work package and the scope of work so as to enable them to understand the requirements of the EoI. The interested industries are requested to register for the pre-EoI conference at the following link.Register for participating in the pre-EoI conference.Last Date of registering the willingness to attend the Pre-EoI conference is 22nd July 2023.A maximum of four representatives from each applicant will be permitted to participate in the pre-EoI conference. Subsequent to successful registration, the provision to post the queries will be enabled at www.inspace.gov.in It is mandatory for the Respondent (lead party of prospective consortium or Single party) from any Indian Industry to participate in Pre-EoI Conference by paying a non-refundable fee of ₹50,000/-.The fee shall be remitted online through https://bharatkosh.gov.in/ or by Demand Draft (DD) drawn in favour of “IN-SPACe” Payable at Ahmedabad. The applicant may upload the copy of the receipt downloaded from Bharatkosh website after payment or copy of the Demand Draft, through online application form as the case may be. The pre-EOI conference is planned on August 02, 2023 (Tentative) at Bengaluru. Please read the entire EoI document carefully before proceeding with payment and registration for Pre-EoI Conference.
Pawan Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe, said 20 companies had submitted an "expression of interest" (EOI) in the rocket programme.INSPACe will have a pre-EOI consultation with these 20 applicants within two weeks, Goenka told Reuters.He did not name the companies.
BENGALURU, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Larsen & Toubro and Hindustan Aeronautics are among companies vetted to potentially bid in India's efforts to privatise its small satellite launch rocket, a source told Reuters, as the government seeks more investment in the booming space market.
About 20 companies had submitted an expression of interest in bidding on the privatisation, the first of its kind under a policy drive by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to open launch and other space businesses to investment.
The next step will be to open the bidding process itself, the person said, who had direct knowledge of the matter but asked not to be named because discussions are not public.
Speaking at the International Space Congress-2023 organised by CII, Goenka said: “This is a first ever example anywhere in the world where a full design and technology of a launch vehicle is being transferred to the private sector. Twenty-three companies had applied after the expression of interest (EoI) was issued. We’ll give it to one company, which will be announced soon. If we give to more firms, nobody will make money.”
