ISRO SSLV-D3-EOS8 Mission: Countdown for Final Developmental Flight Begins
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the commencement of the countdown for the launch of an Earth observation satellite, as part of the third and final development flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle-03 (SSLV-D3). The mission, known as SSLV-D3-EOS-08, marks a significant milestone for ISRO as they continue to advance their capabilities in space exploration.
Continued Success in 2024
The SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission follows the successful launch of the second test flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2-EOS-07) in February 2023. This latest mission is the third for ISRO in 2024, following the successful PSLV-C58/XpoSat mission in January and the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission in February. With each successful launch, ISRO continues to solidify its position as a leader in space technology and exploration.
Countdown Commences
In an update on Friday, ISRO announced that the countdown for the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission had officially begun. The six-and-a-half-hour countdown leading to the launch commenced at 02:47 hrs IST, setting the stage for an exciting journey into space. The launch is scheduled to take place on August 16 at 9:19 am from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
Objectives of the Mission
The primary objectives of the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission include designing and developing a microsatellite, creating payload instruments compatible with the microsatellite bus, and incorporating new technologies required for future operational satellites. This mission represents a key step forward in ISRO’s efforts to expand its capabilities in space exploration and technology development.
With today’s mission, ISRO completes the developmental flight of the smallest rocket capable of carrying satellites weighing up to 500 kg and placing them into Low Earth Orbit. This achievement opens up new possibilities for future space missions and commercial launches using Small Satellite Launch Vehicles.
Earth Observation Satellite Details
The Earth Observation Satellite on board the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission is built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus and carries three payloads: Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry payload (GNSS-R), and SiC UV Dosimeter. These payloads are designed to capture vital data for a variety of applications, ranging from surveillance to disaster monitoring.
The spacecraft has a mission life of one year and a mass of approximately 175.5 kg, generating power of around 420 W. It interfaces with the SSLV-D3/IBL-358 launch vehicle, ensuring a seamless journey into space for the Earth observation satellite. Each payload serves a specific purpose, contributing to the overall success of the mission.
Significance of the Payloads
The EOIR payload is designed to capture images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) bands, both during the day and night. This capability is crucial for applications such as satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, environmental monitoring, fire detection, volcanic activity observation, and industrial and power plant disaster monitoring.
The GNSS-R payload demonstrates the capability of using GNSS-R-based remote sensing for applications such as ocean surface wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, cryosphere studies over the Himalayan region, flood detection, and inland waterbody detection. This payload plays a vital role in gathering essential data for various scientific studies and applications.
The SiC UV Dosimeter payload monitors UV irradiance at the viewport of the Crew Module in the Gaganyaan Mission. Additionally, it serves as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation, ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts during space missions. This payload highlights ISRO’s commitment to advancing space exploration and technology in innovative ways.
In conclusion, the ISRO SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission represents a significant step forward in India’s space exploration efforts. With the countdown underway and the launch scheduled for August 16, all eyes are on ISRO as they prepare to embark on this groundbreaking mission. As the final developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle-03, this mission holds immense potential for advancing India’s capabilities in space technology and exploration.