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ISRO Successfully Launches EOS-08 Satellite
Context:
The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launched the EOS-08 satellite using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
More on News:
- The satellite was injected into a 475 km circular orbit approximately 17 minutes after liftoff.
- This launch marks the third and final developmental flight of the SSLV, completing its development phase.
- Indian industries can utilise the SSLV for future missions, supported by NewSpace India Limited, a government-owned company.
EOS-08 Satellite Features
- EOS-08 is built on ISRO’s Microsat/IMS-1 bus.
- It carries advanced payloads for observation in the infrared range, including the Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) payload, and SiC UV Dosimeter.
- It will be used for various applications such as disaster monitoring, environmental monitoring, fire detection, volcanic activity observation, and industrial disaster monitoring.
- It features new technology developments including an Integrated Avionics system, flexible solar panels, and a phased array antenna.
Key Highlights:
- The mission, SSLV-D3/EOS-08, achieved its objectives with the spacecraft placed into the exact orbit as planned, with no deviations in the injection conditions.
- The launch marks ISRO’s third consecutive successful mission this year, following the PSLV-C58/XpoSat mission in January and the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission in February.
- ISRO’s upcoming missions include NISAR and Gaganyaan. Launch dates for these missions have not yet been announced.
- NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR): A Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory developed in collaboration with NASA.
- Gaganyaan: Aimed at demonstrating human spaceflight by sending a crew of three to a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission and safely returning them to Earth.
SSLV Capabilities:
- Payload Capacity: Capable of launching Mini, Micro, or Nano satellites (10 to 500 kg) into a 500 km planar orbit.
- Structure: Three-stage launch vehicle with solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as the terminal stage.
- Design Features: Low cost, quick turnaround time, flexibility for multiple satellites, and minimal launch infrastructure requirements.
Importance of Earth observation satellites:
- Environmental Monitoring: Track and assess environmental changes such as deforestation, desertification, and pollution and help in conserving natural resources and managing environmental impacts.
- Resource Management: Monitor and manage natural resources including water, minerals, and land use.
- Disaster Response: Provide critical data for disaster management, including tracking hurricanes, wildfires, and floods.
- Agriculture: Assess crop health, monitor soil moisture, manage agricultural practices, improve crop yields and support food security.
- Climate Change Monitoring: Track changes in ice thickness, sea level rise, and atmospheric composition.
- Public Health: Monitor air quality and help in assessing and mitigating health risks related to environmental conditions.
Historic Spaceflight
- Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to fly to the International Space Station (ISS).
- As part of the Axiom-4 mission, marking a significant milestone for Indian space exploration.