ISRO Postpones SSIV-D3 Launch to August 16

Tirupati: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed the launch date for its third developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) by one day. The ISRO sources said the launch was postponed due to the celebrations of National Space Day at Sriharikota on Tuesday and Independence Day celebrations on August 15. The SSLV-D3 is now set to launch from Sriharikota on August 16 at 9.17 am local time.

This upcoming flight, designated SSLV-D3/EOS-08, represents a critical milestone for ISRO. It marks the organisation's third launch of the year and serves as the final demonstration flight for the SSLV program. The success of this mission is crucial in validating the rocket's capabilities and readiness for operational use. Scientists have completed the rocket integration work and prepared it for launch. They have also finished final tests. It is reported that ISRO chairman Dr S. Somanath held a crucial meeting with scientists at Sriharikota on Tuesday to discuss the launch.

The SSLV has garnered attention for its rapid assembly capabilities, requiring less than a week of preparation compared to the 45-day cycle of larger rockets. Designed to deploy satellites weighing up to 500 kg into Earth orbit, the SSLV carries three primary payloads on this mission.

The main satellite, EOS-08, weighs 175.5 kg and incorporates cutting-edge technologies essential for its objectives.

One payload will focus on capturing high-resolution images of Earth continuously, while another will analyse various terrestrial features. The third payload, measuring ultraviolet radiation in space, holds particular significance for India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission – the country's first crewed spaceflight initiative.