On August 16, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launched an earth observation satellite aboard the third and final developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle-03 from the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.Scheduled for launch on August 16, this mission aims to deploy an advanced earth observation satellite into space. The launch will mark a significant milestone for the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) as it continues to refine and perfect its small satellite launch capabilities.
Initially planned for August 15, the launch has been deferred to at 9:19am on August 16 from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The countdown commenced at 02:47am on Friday, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in India’s space exploration efforts.
ISRO chief S Somanath says, “…The third developmental flight of SSLV – SSLV-D3/EOS-08 has been successfully accomplished. The rocket has placed the spacecraft in the very precise orbit as planned. I find that there are no deviations in the injection conditions. The final orbit will be known after tracking but the current indication is that everything is perfect. The EOS-08 satellite as well as SR-08 satellite has also been injected after manoeuvres. Congratulations to the SSLV-D3 team, the project team. With this third developmental flight of SSLV, we can declare the development process of SSLV is completed…”
The SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission follows the successful SSLV-D2-EOS-07 launch in February 2023. It is part of Isro's broader efforts lined up for 2024, which include the launch of PSLV-C58/XpoSat in January and GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS a month later.
The SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission aims to advance several key objectives. The smallest rocket in Isro’s fleet, standing at about 34 metres, is designed to carry payloads up to 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit (up to 500 km above Earth). This mission will not only test new technologies for future satellites but also boost NewSpace India Ltd, Isro's commercial arm, in expanding its commercial launch services.
The satellite being launched is built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus and carries three key payloads:
1. Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): This instrument captures images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) bands, providing crucial data for satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, environmental observation, fire detection, and industrial monitoring.
2. Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R): This payload utilises GNSS-R-based remote sensing to analyse ocean surface winds, assess soil moisture, study cryosphere changes over the Himalayas, and detect floods and inland water bodies.
3. SiC UV Dosimeter: Designed to monitor UV irradiance and serve as a high-dose gamma radiation alarm sensor, this payload will also support the Gaganyaan Mission by monitoring radiation levels at the crew module viewport.
With a mission life of one year and a power generation capacity of around 420 watts, the satellite represents a significant advancement in small satellite technology. The successful launch of this mission will not only complete the developmental phase of the SSLV but also enhance ISRO's capabilities in satellite technology and commercial space operations.
(With inputs from news agencies)
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