ISRO's SSLV-D1 places satellites into wrong orbit, no longer usable

Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh), August 8: The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D1) placed satellites into elliptical orbit instead of a circular orbit, thus satellites are no longer usable, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday. Giving information about its satellite launch, the Indian space agency said "SSLV-D1 placed the satellites into 356 km x 76 km elliptical orbit instead of 356 km circular orbit. Satellites are no longer usable. The issue is reasonably identified. Failure of a logic to identify a sensor failure and go for a salvage action caused the deviation. A committee would analyse and recommend. With the implementation of the recommendations, ISRO will come back soon with SSLV-D2." Earlier in the day, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, launched the ISRO's first new rocket, the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D1), carrying the Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-02) and a student-built satellite called AzaadiSAT. Also Read | Sugarcane farmers to stage 'indefinite' dharna at Phagwara Sugar Mill Chowk on Aug 8 The SSLV, co-passenger satellite known as "AzaadiSAT," which included 75 payloads built by 750 students from 75 rural government schools across India, was launched to coincide with the country's celebrations of "Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav." On Sunday, ISRO Chairman S Somanath stated that both Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D1) carrying Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-02) were injected however the "orbit achieved was less than expected which makes it unstable." "All stages performed normal. Both satellites were injected. But the orbit achieved was less than expected which makes it unstable," the ISRO chief added. "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," he added. Girls who designed the satellite also witnessed the SSLV-D1 launch from the viewing gallery of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota along with the general public. Also Read | Rail traffic disrupted as goods train derails on Delhi-Rohtak railway line near Haryana -PTC News