India’s space ambitions reached a new high on Friday with the successful launch of the Earth Observation Satellite (EOS)-08. This milestone was achieved with the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3, marking a significant step forward for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised ISRO for this achievement. In a post on X, he celebrated the launch as a “landmark achievement for the Indian space sector” and highlighted the new opportunities it creates for low-cost space missions and international collaboration. Jaishankar commended the “dedicated team of scientists” at ISRO for their hard work and success.
A landmark achievement for the Indian space sector! Congratulate the dedicated team of scientists at @isro on the successful launch of the new Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
A remarkable breakthrough, opening new possibilities for low – cost space missions and greater… https://t.co/PWI7gIRKgt
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 16, 2024
The EOS-08 was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launch vehicle, SSLV-D3, carried the satellite into space with precision. According to ISRO, this was the third and final developmental flight of the SSLV. The successful deployment of EOS-08 completes the SSLV Development Project and sets the stage for future commercial missions.
Mission Objectives and Satellite Features
The EOS-08 mission aims to push the boundaries of space technology. The satellite, which has a mission life of one year, is designed to serve multiple purposes. It is equipped with three main payloads:
- Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): This device captures images in both the Mid-Wave Infrared (MIR) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) bands. It is useful for various applications, including satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, environmental observations, and detecting fires and volcanic activity.
- Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R): This payload helps in analyzing ocean surface winds, assessing soil moisture, studying cryosphere changes in the Himalayan region, detecting floods, and monitoring inland water bodies.
- SiC UV Dosimeter: This component measures ultraviolet radiation and helps in understanding space weather impacts.
The EOS-08 satellite is built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus and has several advanced features. It operates in a Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km with an inclination of 37.4 degrees. The satellite weighs about 175.5 kg and generates approximately 420 watts of power. It interfaces with the SSLV-D3/IBL-358 launch vehicle.
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One of the key advancements in this mission is the Integrated Avionics system, known as the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package. This system combines multiple functions into a single, efficient unit and includes cold redundant systems with commercial off-the-shelf components. It supports up to 400 GB of data storage and integrates several crucial components like a structural panel with PCB, an embedded battery, a Micro-DGA (Dual Gimbal Antenna), an M-PAA (Phased Array Antenna), and a flexible solar panel.
The successful launch of EOS-08 is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in space technology. It not only showcases ISRO’s ability to conduct complex space missions but also opens doors for future commercial ventures and international partnerships.
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