ISRO Postpones SSLV-D3/EOS-08 Mission to August 16: A Closer Look at the Final Developmental Flight
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has delayed the launch of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) carrying the EOS-08 earth observation satellite by a day. Originally scheduled for August 15, the launch is now set for August 16, 2024. This decision was announced by ISRO via a post on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the launch window will open at 09:17 Hrs IST and will last for one hour.
The SSLV-D3/EOS-08 Mission: A Crucial Milestone
The SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission is significant as it marks the third and final developmental flight of the SSLV, a rocket specifically designed to cater to the growing demand for launching small satellites. The SSLV can place payloads weighing up to 500 kg in low Earth orbit (LEO), making it an essential tool in ISRO's arsenal, especially for rapid deployment and commercial launches.
The SSLV-D3 will carry the EOS-08 microsatellite, which weighs approximately 175.5 kg. This mission is not just a test but also a critical step towards making the SSLV an operational vehicle for future missions. Upon successful completion, the SSLV will be handed over to NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, for regular launches, potentially opening new avenues for the Indian space industry.
EOS-08: A Technological Marvel
The EOS-08 satellite, built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, is equipped with advanced technologies aimed at enhancing India's satellite capabilities. The primary mission objectives include the design and development of a microsatellite, the creation of payload instruments that are compatible with the microsatellite bus, and the incorporation of new technologies needed for future satellites.
The satellite carries three key payloads:
1. Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): This payload is designed to capture high-resolution images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) bands, both during the day and at night. The applications of these images range from satellite-based surveillance, disaster and environmental monitoring, fire detection, volcanic activity observation, to industrial and power plant disaster monitoring.
2. Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) Payload: This payload is a demonstration of GNSS-R-based remote sensing. It can be used for a variety of applications, including ocean surface wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, cryosphere studies over the Himalayas, flood detection, and monitoring of inland water bodies.
3. SiC UV Dosimeter: This payload monitors UV irradiance and acts as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation. It has specific importance in the Gaganyaan Mission, India's first manned space mission, where it will serve as a critical component in monitoring UV exposure for the crew module.
Innovative Features of EOS-08
EOS-08 introduces several advancements in satellite technology. The satellite employs an Integrated Avionics system, known as the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package. This package integrates multiple functions into a single, efficient unit, reducing the satellite's overall size and weight while enhancing its capabilities. Additionally, the satellite's miniaturized Antenna Pointing Mechanisms allow it to achieve a rotational speed of 6 degrees per second and maintain a pointing accuracy of ±1 degree, critical for precise satellite operations.
The SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission represents a significant leap forward for ISRO and the Indian space industry. By pushing the boundaries of satellite technology and streamlining the process of launching small payloads, ISRO is positioning itself as a key player in the global space market. As the mission is now set for August 16, all eyes will be on the SSLV-D3 as it undertakes this pivotal flight, potentially paving the way for a new era of space exploration and commercial launches in India.
