SLV-3 (Satellite Launch Vehicle-3) was India’s first indigenously developed satellite launch vehicle, launched by ISRO on July 18, 1980. The project was led by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who later became President of India. Weighing 17 tonnes, the SLV-3 successfully placed the 35 kg Rohini Satellite (RS-1) into low Earth orbit. This marked a major milestone in India's journey toward space self-reliance.

The success of SLV-3 was a historic achievement that demonstrated ISRO’s capability in managing complex, multi-disciplinary space missions. It provided vital experience in satellite launch vehicle design, development, and project execution. With this launch, India became the sixth country in the world to develop such technology, joining the ranks of the USSR, USA, France, China, and Japan.