The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to celebrate India's Independence Day by launching an Earth observation satellite into orbit using its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). The launch, scheduled for August 15, 2024, at 9:17 a.m., will take place from the country's rocket port in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This mission, designated SSLV-D3/EOS-08, marks the third and final development flight of the SSLV, which is designed to enhance India's satellite deployment capabilities.
The SSLV-D3 mission will carry a microsatellite named EOS-08, which weighs approximately 175.5 kg. The primary goal of this mission is to complete the SSLV Development Project, paving the way for future operational missions by Indian industry and NewSpace India Ltd., a public sector enterprise focused on space technology. The successful deployment of EOS-08 will represent a significant milestone in the advancement of India's space infrastructure.
The EOS-08 mission aims to achieve several key objectives:
Design and Development of Microsatellite: The mission will demonstrate the capabilities of designing and developing a microsatellite with advanced features.
Payload Instruments: The satellite will carry payload instruments compatible with the microsatellite bus, showcasing new technologies that are essential for future operational satellites.
Technological Integration: Incorporation of new technologies required for enhancing satellite operations and capabilities will be a core focus of the mission.
The EOS-08 satellite is equipped with three primary payloads, each serving distinct purposes:
Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): This payload is designed to capture images in both the Mid-Wave Infrared (MIR) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) bands. The EOIR payload is intended for various applications, including satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, environmental monitoring, fire detection, and volcanic activity observation. It also plays a role in monitoring industrial and power plant disasters.
Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R): The GNSS-R payload demonstrates the capability of using GNSS-Reflectometry for remote sensing applications. This includes ocean surface wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, cryosphere studies over the Himalayan region, flood detection, and inland waterbody detection. The GNSS-R payload represents a significant advancement in remote sensing technologies.
SiC UV Dosimeter: This payload monitors ultraviolet (UV) irradiance at the viewport of the Crew Module in the Gaganyaan Mission. It functions as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation, contributing to the safety and monitoring of the space environment.
EOS-08 features several technological advancements:
Integrated Avionics System: The satellite incorporates an Integrated Avionics System known as the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package. This system combines multiple functions into a single, efficient unit, enhancing overall performance and functionality.
Miniaturized Antenna Pointing Mechanisms: The satellite employs a miniaturized design for its Antenna Pointing Mechanisms. These mechanisms achieve a rotational speed of 6 degrees per second while maintaining a pointing accuracy of ±1 degree. This precision is crucial for accurate data collection and satellite operation.
The SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission represents a significant step forward for ISRO and India's space capabilities. By deploying the EOS-08 satellite, ISRO not only completes the SSLV Development Project but also sets the stage for future missions by demonstrating the efficacy of the SSLV platform. The mission highlights India's growing expertise in satellite technology and its commitment to advancing space research and applications.
Conclusion
The launch of the EOS-08 satellite on Independence Day is a proud moment for ISRO and India. It underscores the nation's progress in space technology and its ability to develop and deploy advanced satellite systems. As ISRO continues to innovate and expand its space missions, the successful execution of the SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission will contribute to India's reputation as a leading player in the global space industry. The advancements showcased by this mission will pave the way for future developments in satellite technology and space exploration.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was founded on August 15, 1969, by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who is widely considered the father of the Indian space program. The organization's primary goal was to harness space technology for national development. In its early years, ISRO focused on building the foundational infrastructure for space research, including the establishment of a space center in Sriharikota and the development of satellite launch vehicles.
The 1980s marked significant progress for ISRO with the successful launch of its first satellite, Aryabhata, on April 19, 1975, using a Soviet rocket. The 1980s and 1990s saw the development of the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) and the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites. The launch of the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) in 1980 and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in 1993 were milestones that demonstrated India’s growing capabilities in space technology.
The turn of the millennium marked a period of significant achievements for ISRO. The PSLV became a reliable and versatile launch vehicle, known for its high success rate. In 2008, ISRO successfully launched the Chandrayaan-1 mission, India's first lunar probe, which played a crucial role in discovering water on the Moon. The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), launched in 2013, made India the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit and the fourth space agency globally to do so, earning worldwide recognition.
ISRO continued to innovate with missions like the Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019, aimed at exploring the Moon’s south pole. The organization also expanded its commercial space operations, launching numerous satellites for foreign clients through its commercial arm, Antrix Corporation. The development of the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space, highlights ISRO’s ambition to advance human spaceflight capabilities.
In recent years, ISRO has continued to push the boundaries of space exploration and technology. The successful launch of the GSAT-30 satellite, the Chandrayaan-3 mission, and the development of new launch vehicles like the Gaganyaan and the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) reflect the organization's commitment to expanding its space exploration and satellite deployment capabilities. ISRO’s achievements in Earth observation, communication, and space science underscore its role as a leading space agency on the global stage.