Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3E2), India's first experimental satellite launch vehicle was successfully launched on July 18, 1980 from SHAR Centre Sriharikota, when Rohini satellite, RS-1, was placed in orbit. SLV-3 was a 22 m long, all solid, four stage vehicle weighing 17 tonne capable of placing 40 kg class payloads in low earth orbit.