The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch the Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-08) aboard its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D3) on Friday.
This mission, taking place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, marks the third and final developmental flight of the SSLV, a significant milestone in ISRO’s efforts to enhance its satellite launch capabilities.
WATCH ISRO LAUNCH SSLV-D3 WITH EOS-08
Originally scheduled for August 15, the launch was rescheduled to August 16, with a one-hour launch window starting at 09:17 IST. The SSLV-D3 mission aims to complete the SSLV Development Project, paving the way for operational missions by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Indian industry.
The EOS-08 satellite, weighing approximately 175.5 kg, is designed to operate in a circular low Earth orbit at an altitude of 475 km. It carries three advanced 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 applications such as satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, environmental observation, and more.
The EOIR payload captures images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) bands, both day and night, supporting various monitoring activities. The GNSS-R payload demonstrates remote sensing capabilities for ocean surface wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, and cryosphere studies. The SiC UV Dosimeter monitors UV irradiance, serving as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation.
The SSLV is a compact, three-stage launch vehicle known for its low cost and quick assembly time, offering flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites. This makes it an ideal choice for launching constellations of small satellites, addressing the growing global demand for space-based data and services.
With the successful launch of EOS-08, ISRO aims to strengthen its position in the global space market, providing cost-effective and reliable launch solutions for small satellites. The mission underscores ISRO’s commitment to innovation and its role in advancing India’s space exploration capabilities.
