ISRO develops small satellite launch vehicles
Q. ISRO has developed small satellite launch vehicles to launch which type of satellites?- Published on 13 Dec 17a. Low cost
b. Small sized
c. Hi-tech
d. Only a and b
e. All of the above
ANSWER: Only a and b
The Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing small satellite launch vehicles to launch low-cost small satellites.
Preliminary work to design and develop such ambitious small launch vehicle already has started at ISRO's rocket development node, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
The small launch vehicle will 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.
Small satellite launch vehicles have tremendous potential to cut the launch fee that customers pay. Ride on small launchers is ninth or tenth of the present cost.
Besides, they are easy to assemble compared to about 40 days taken to assemble a PSLV.
What is a Small Satellite?- Small satellites, miniaturized satellites, or smallsats, are satellites of low mass and size, usually under 500 kg (1,100 lb).
- While all such satellites can be referred to as "small", different classifications are used to categorize them based on mass.
- Satellites can be built small to reduce the large economic cost of launch vehicles and the costs associated with construction.
- Miniature satellites, especially in large numbers, may be more useful than fewer, larger ones for some purposes - for example, gathering of scientific data and radio relay.
- Technical challenges in the construction of small satellites may include the lack of sufficient power storage or of room for a propulsion system.
Small Satellites Sector: Know More- Since 1999, ISRO's PSLV rockets have launched 209 small satellites from 28 countries for fee. In February 2017, PSLV created world record by launching 104 satellites to space.
- Globally, the small satellites market is booming as they are used for various applications.
- As such, worldwide, operators and private players are developing small launchers to capture the market at a much lower cost.
- Global space industry consulting firm Euroconsult in July 2017 had estimated that 6,200 smallsats - many of them will be launched during 2017-2026 and its market value will touch to $30 billion - up from $8.9 billion in last decade.
