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Propulsion & Power

ISRO qualifies improved SSLV solid booster

By SpaceEnergy 12 August 2026 1 min read
ISRO qualifies improved SSLV solid booster
Photo: ISRO

(SpaceEnergy) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has qualified propulsion upgrades to the first stage of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), targeting about 100kg of additional payload capacity to low Earth orbit (LEO).

ISRO said on August 12 that it successfully completed a ground static test of an improved version of the SSLV’s SS1 solid booster stage at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on 11 August.

The changes include a higher propellant burn rate in two motor segments, an optimised thermal protection system, reduced mass and modifications to the nozzle subsystem intended to make it easier to manufacture.

More than 600 parameters covering ignition, ballistic, structural, thermal, dynamic and acoustic performance were measured during the firing. ISRO said motor performance was close to predictions and that the test qualified the SS1 design changes.

Once the upgraded stage is introduced, ISRO estimates SSLV payload capacity to LEO will increase by about 100 kg. The agency is separately transferring SSLV technology to Indian industry and expects the launcher to be manufactured in larger numbers for commercial small-satellite launch services.

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