The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-08) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The SSLV-D3 rocket completed its third and final developmental flight, placing EOS-08 precisely into its intended orbit. This mission marks the successful conclusion of ISRO's SSLV Development Project.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated ISRO's successful launch of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Modi described the achievement as a significant milestone and expressed immense joy over India's new cost-effective launch vehicle. He extended his congratulations to the scientists, industry, and space agencies involved.
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath noted that the SSLV features a simpler design compared to traditional rockets, with a different navigation process and architecture. He acknowledged challenges in achieving precise satellite injection during earlier missions but confirmed that these issues have been resolved. The SSLV-D3 mission’s success marks the completion of the SSLV development program.
Somanath also mentioned that preparations for the Gaganyaan mission are underway, with a targeted launch planned for December.
Mission details and objectives
The six-and-a-half-hour countdown began at 2:47 am IST, leading to the launch. Designed for a mission life of one year, the EOS-08 satellite is built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus and carries three payloads: the Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R), and the SiC UV Dosimeter. These payloads are intended for various applications, including satellite-based surveillance, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.
Technological advancements
The EOS-08 satellite operates in a Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km with an inclination of 37.4°. It has a mass of approximately 175.5 kg and generates around 420 watts of power. Key components of the satellite include an Integrated Avionics system, cold redundant systems with commercial off-the-shelf components, and a range of onboard technologies such as a flexible solar panel and advanced antennas.
SSLV-D3-EOS-08: A milestone mission
This mission is the final developmental flight of the SSLV, a 34-meter-tall rocket designed to place small satellites weighing up to 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, with the rocket carrying three key payloads: the Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry payload (GNSS-R), and the SiC UV Dosimeter.
Advancing NewSpace India Ltd's commercial ventures
The SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission will not only complete the developmental phase of ISRO's smallest rocket but will also bolster the capabilities of NewSpace India Ltd, ISRO's commercial arm, to take up future commercial launches using SSLVs. The mission's success is expected to enhance ISRO's ability to deploy advanced small satellite technology for a range of applications, including disaster monitoring, environmental surveillance, and more.
Payload capabilities
The Earth Observation Satellite aboard SSLV-D3 is built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus and has a mission life of one year. Weighing approximately 175.5 kg, it generates around 420 W of power. The payloads on board will be used for a variety of purposes, including satellite-based surveillance, environmental monitoring, ocean surface wind analysis, and UV radiation monitoring in the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission.
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