Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3) was the rocket that helped to launch the first successful satellite of ISRO. This was a four staged all-solid propulsion vehicle which was indigenous. The successful flight of the rocket led to one of the most important steps in the history of the Indian space program, showing self-sufficiency in launching by showing that it can send a rocket into the ocean on its own.
The height of the SLV-3 lifted off at 22 meters and its liftoff weight was 17 tonnes. It was with 4 solid motor stages and lit one at a time. Tight staging and controlling mechanisms were critical to getting into the orbit, and they demonstrated the rocketry principles as the early skill of ISRO.
On July 18, 1980, a Rohini RS-1 satellite was launched by SLV-3 launched at Sriharikota. The mission was successful to launch RS-1 in a low-earth orbit. This was a success that confirmed to all that India had the independent technology of launching satellites.
The SLV-3 offered the technological foundation that could not be beaten in the later launch vehicles of India, the ASLV, PSLV and GSLV. It demonstrated the ability of ISRO to develop launch systems, all the way to its designing and operation.
The building and flying of the SLV-3 produced precious national home grown knowledge. This included propulsion, materials, guidance and navigation and mission control. The expertise acquired was the essential part of the ISRO development.
Conclusion:
SLV-3 became the launch vehicle that worked perfectly with the first satellite launch of ISRO. The launch of the Rohini RS-1 satellite in 1980 gave India a capability of an independent launch. The data provided by the SLV-3 became the key technological basis of all Indian rockets sent afterwards, as it allowed access to space for the entire country.
