SSLV placed satellites into wrong orbit, it's no longer usable: ISRO

SRIHARIKOTA: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday confirmed that its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D1) placed satellites into elliptical orbit instead of a circular orbit.

Sharing the updates of its satellite launch, ISRO 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, ISRO launched its first smallest rocket Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) carrying Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-02) and a student-made satellite AzaadiSAT, lifted off at 9:18 am.

To mark the country's celebrations of "Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav", the SSLV, co-passenger satellite called "AzaadiSAT" comprising 75 payloads built by 750 students from 75 rural government schools across India was launched.