ISRO's smallest rocket SSLV-D1 blasts off from Sriharikota: See Pics

ISRO launched its smallest commercial rocket, the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D1), on August 7, 2022. The SSLV-D1 carried two satellites, the Earth Observation Satellite-02 and the AzaadiSAT, with the latter consisting of 75 payloads built by 750 girl students from 75 rural government schools across India. The project is part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations to mark India's 75th Independence Day.

India's brand new rocket, the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D1), lifted off with the Earth Observation Satellite-02 (EOS-02), formerly known as Microsatellite-2, and the AzaadiSAT on August 07. Credit: PTI Photo

At the end of a seven and-a-half hour countdown, the 34-metre-long SSLV-D1 soared majestically at 9.18 am amid cloudy skies to place the satellites into the intended orbit. Credit: PTI Photo

The EOS-02 is an experimental optical remote sensing satellite with high spatial resolution. The mission was carried out to launch an experimental imaging satellite with a short turnaround time and to demonstrate launch-on-demand capability. Credit: PTI Photo

The AzaadiSAT was built by 750 school girls from across the country to mark India's 75th Independence Day. Credit: PTI Photo

The SSLV-D1/EOS-02 mission by ISRO is aimed at carving out a larger share in the market for small launch vehicles, which are used to place satellites into Low Earth Orbit. Credit: PTI Photo