ROHINI SATELLITE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: On this day, July 18, in 1980, India marked a milestone as it launched its first satellite, Rohini-1, into space.

Rohini

• Launch Date: Rohini Satellite RS-1 was launched on July 18, 1980, marking a significant milestone in India's space program.
• First Indian-made Launch Vehicle: RS-1 became the first satellite to be placed in orbit by an Indian-made launch vehicle, showcasing India's growing capabilities in space technology.
• Satellite Specifications: According to ISRO, RS-1 was an experimental spin-stabilized satellite with a weight of 35 kg and capable of generating 16 W of power.
• Launch Details: RS-1 was successfully launched aboard SLV-3 (Satellite Launch Vehicle-3) from the SHAR Centre. It was placed into an orbit with an inclination of 44.7° and an orbit of 305 x 919 kilometers, achieving its intended mission objectives.

Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3)

• About: It was India's inaugural experimental satellite launch vehicle, featuring an all-solid, four-stage design.
• Specifications: SLV-3 weighed 17 tonnes and stood at a height of 22 meters, capable of placing payloads up to 40 kg class into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• Flight Characteristics: SLV-3 utilized open loop guidance with a stored pitch program to control its trajectory during flight, ensuring it followed a predetermined path accurately.
• Legacy: The success of SLV-3 paved the way for more advanced Indian launch vehicle projects, including the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)..