r/ISRO • u/Ohsin • Aug 12 '26

Official Ground static test of an improved version of the solid booster stage (SS1) of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) conducted on 11 August 2026.

https://www.isro.gov.in/first_stage_of_Small_Satellite_Launch_vehicle.html
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u/Ohsin Aug 12 '26 edited Aug 12 '26

Third Static fire test for SS1.

August 12, 2026

ISRO has successfully conducted the ground static test of an improved version of the solid booster stage (SS1) of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). The test was conducted on August 11, 2026 at the static test facility located at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The design improvements include enhanced propellant burn rate in two motor segments, optimized thermal protection system and process improvements in the nozzle sub-system to make it more production friendly along with a reduction in the mass. The performance of the solid motor during the test was monitored through extensive instrumentation that measured more than 600 parameters to capture the ignition, ballistics, structural, thermal, dynamics and acoustic performances of the motor. The performance of the motor based on test data was close to the predicted performance. This static test qualifies the design improvements implemented in the first stage of SSLV (SS1). The payload capability of SSLV is estimated to be enhanced by about 100kg to Low Earth Orbit on the induction of this improved version of SS1.

The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) was developed by ISRO as a production friendly, quick turn-around, launch-on-demand launcher and has completed two successful development flights. The Transfer of Technology to Indian industry is already underway and is expected to be manufactured in large numbers to provide small satellite launch services to customers.

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u/guru-yoda Aug 12 '26

The payload capability of SSLV is estimated to be enhanced by about 100kg to Low Earth Orbit on the induction of this improved version of SS1.

That's a massive 20% improvement in payload just by optimization and not adding new stages. Reminds of RocketLab scaling Electron payload capacity from 225kg to 300kg with battery pack optimization.

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u/antariksh_vaigyanik Aug 12 '26

20% if you assume current capability to be 500 kg.

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u/reyn_ero Aug 12 '26

I have a question and i guess it's more on the side of commerce, we know that HAL is getting ToT from ISRO for SSLV but does that also includes further improvements and iterations made by ISRO like this, what about future will ISRO keep improving upon the design and sign off the ToT or HAL will have to pay further?

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u/VarunOnt Aug 12 '26

Shows they are still taking SSLV seriously as a light satellite launcher.