Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) qualifies upgraded third stage of SSLV via static test

Exam-focused facts from the 3 January 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

ISRO successfully carried out a static ground test of an improved version of the third stage of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
The test was conducted at the Solid Motor Static Test Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.
The improved SS3 motor features a carbon-epoxy composite motor case, reducing inert mass and yielding a payload gain of about 90 kg for SSLV.
The third stage alone delivers velocities of up to 4 km/second to the launch vehicle.
Nozzle control is achieved through a fault-tolerant electro-mechanical actuation system supported by low-power control electronics.