The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that its upcoming earth observation satellite, EOS-08, is scheduled to launch on August 16th, 2024. This launch marks a significant milestone in the development of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), as it will be the third and final developmental flight of the vehicle. Initially planned for August 15th, 2024, the launch has been slightly delayed, though ISRO has not disclosed specific reasons for the postponement.
The primary objective of this mission is to finalize the development of the SSLV, making it fully operational for future missions. This collaboration between Indian industry and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) signifies a crucial step towards enhancing India’s capabilities in launching smaller satellites.
The launch is set to take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota during a one-hour launch window commencing at 09:17 IST. EOS-08, constructed on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, is designed for a mission duration of one year. Weighing approximately 175.5 kg and generating about 420 watts of power, the satellite will be launched using the SSLV-D3/IBL-358 launch vehicle.
EOS-08 is equipped with three vital payloads:
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Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) payload:
This payload is designed to capture images in both the Mid-Wave Infrared (MIR) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) spectrums, capable of operation during both day and night. These capabilities will enable a diverse range of applications, including satellite-based surveillance, disaster and environmental monitoring, fire detection, and industrial disaster assessment.*
Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) payload:
This payload is intended to demonstrate the potential of GNSS-Reflectometry for remote sensing purposes. This technology can be used to analyze ocean surface winds, assess soil moisture, conduct cryosphere studies in the Himalayan region, and detect floods and inland water bodies.*
Silicon Carbide (SiC) UV Dosimeter:
This payload will monitor UV irradiance for the Gaganyaan Mission’s Crew Module, ensuring the safety of astronauts. It will also function as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation, further enhancing safety measures during space missions.Beyond its payload capabilities, EOS-08 showcases a notable leap in satellite mainframe systems. A key advancement is the introduction of an Integrated Avionics system, specifically the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package. This innovative system consolidates multiple functions into a single unit, utilizing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. This integrated approach enables up to 400 GB of data storage and incorporates advanced technologies, including a structural panel embedded with PCB, a Micro-DGA (Dual Gimbal Antenna), an M-PAA (Phased Array Antenna), and a flexible solar panel. These technological advancements are crucial for onboard technology demonstration and will pave the way for future satellite missions.
