A file photo of ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) during its launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
The countdown for the launch of an earth observation satellite onboard the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission officially began on August 16, 2024, according to ISRO.
This mission marks the third and final development flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle series, following the successful test flight of SSLV-D2-EOS-07 earlier this year in February.
As India’s prestigious space agency continues to make strides in 2024, this mission follows the successful PSLV-C58/XpoSat launched in January and the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS in February.
ISRO has announced that the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission countdown commenced at 02:47 hrs IST, signaling the start of this highly anticipated launch.
The SSLV, standing at approximately 34 meters tall, was initially scheduled for launch on August 15 at 9:17 AM but was later rescheduled to August 16 at 9:19 AM from the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
This mission aims to develop and design a microsatellite, create compatible payload instruments, and test new technologies for future operational satellites, as outlined by ISRO.
With the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission, ISRO completes the development phase of its smallest rocket, capable of carrying satellites weighing up to 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit, approximately 500 km above the Earth’s surface.
This mission also supports NewSpace India Ltd, ISRO’s commercial arm, in pursuing commercial launches using Small Satellite Launch Vehicles in collaboration with the industry.
The Earth Observation Satellite built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus carries three key payloads: the Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry payload (GNSS-R), and the SiC UV Dosimeter.
Weighing around 175.5 kg with a mission life of one year, the spacecraft generates approximately 420 W of power and interfaces with the SSLV-D3/IBL-358 launch vehicle.
The EOIR payload is designed to capture images in the Mid-Wave IR and Long-Wave IR bands, serving applications such as satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, and environmental assessments.
The GNSS-R payload will demonstrate remote sensing capabilities for applications including ocean wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, and flood detection.
Additionally, the SiC UV Dosimeter will monitor UV irradiance for the Gaganyaan Mission’s Crew Module and act as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation.
