ISRO Successfully Launches Third SSLV-D3 with Earth Observation Satellite EOS-08

On August 16, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organization launched the SSLV-D3 mission, the third and final development flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Here are some specifics about this mission:

Release Details

  • Launch date and time: August 16, 2024, 09:17 IST
  • Launch location: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota
  • Rocket height: 34 meters

Satellite specifications

  • Satellite name: EOS-08
  • Weight: Approx. 175.5 kg
  • Power generation: about 420W
  • Mission life: 1 year
  • Orbit: Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO), 475 km altitude, 37.4° inclination

Payload

The EOS-08 satellite carries three main payloads:

  1. Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): Designed for satellite-based surveillance, environmental monitoring and disaster management, it operates in the mid-wave infrared (MIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) bands.
  2. Global Navigation Satellite System – Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R): For sea surface wind analysis.
  3. SiC UV Dosimeter: Monitors UV radiation.

The SSLV-D3 mission will launch the EOS satellite into a circular orbit around the Earth. The countdown for the launch began at 2:47 am IST. The mission represents a major milestone for ISRO as it demonstrates the capabilities of the SSLV, which is aimed at meeting the growing demand for affordable micro and micro satellite launches.

The 175 kg EOS satellite is expected to provide useful data for purposes such as disaster management and environmental monitoring. The SSLV is ideal for international satellite launch services as it can carry payloads weighing up to 500 kg into a 500 km plane orbit.

Technological advancement

  • The EOS-08 features an integrated avionics system called the Communications, Baseband, Storage and Positioning (CBSP) package, which supports up to 400 GB of data storage and utilizes a cold redundant system to ensure reliability.

The successful launch of the SSLV-D3 mission demonstrates ISRO’s commitment to innovation and its ability to develop cost-effective launch solutions for the global space industry. It also underscores India’s growing influence on the international space arena.

The mission not only showcases ISRO’s advancement in small satellite technology, but also consolidates its position in the global space industry.

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