ISRO EOS-08 Satellite Launch Earth Observation: Prime Minister Modi Celebrates a New Milestone

ISRO EOS-08 Satellite Launch: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of Earth Observation Satellite-08 (EOS-08) on August 16, 2024. The satellite was deployed into orbit by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This launch marks the culmination of ISRO’s SSLV development project and highlights the advancing capabilities of India’s space program.

A Successful Launch and Prime Minister’s Commendation

The SSLV-D3 mission, the third and final developmental flight of ISRO’s SSLV series, saw the EOS-08 satellite placed precisely into its designated orbit. The launch, which was initially scheduled for August 15 but rescheduled to August 16, was executed at 9:17 AM IST. The spacecraft is set to operate for a mission duration of one year, conducting various Earth observation tasks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised ISRO for its achievement, emphasizing the SSLV’s role in future space missions and its potential to stimulate private industry involvement. In a post on X, he expressed his enthusiasm: “A remarkable milestone! Congratulations to our scientists and industry for this feat. It is a matter of immense joy that India now has a new launch vehicle. The cost-effective SSLV will play an important role in space missions and will also encourage private industry. My best wishes to @isro, @INSPACeIND, @NSIL_India, and the entire space industry.”

Mission Objectives and Satellite Specifications

The EOS-08 mission is designed to push the boundaries of Earth observation technology. Built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, the satellite has a mass of approximately 175.5 kg and generates around 420 watts of power. It will orbit Earth in a Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km and an inclination of 37.4°, with a mission life of one year.

EOS-08 carries three main payloads:

• Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): This payload captures images in the Mid-Wave Infrared (MIR) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) bands, aiding in applications such as surveillance, disaster monitoring, and environmental assessments.
• Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R): GNSS-R uses GPS signals to analyze ocean surface winds, soil moisture, and cryosphere studies, as well as detect floods and inland water bodies.
• SiC UV Dosimeter: This instrument monitors UV irradiance for the Gaganyaan Mission and acts as a sensor for gamma radiation.

Technological Advancements and Innovations

The EOS-08 satellite incorporates several advanced technologies:

• Integrated Avionics System: Known as the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package, this system integrates multiple functions into a single unit, supporting up to 400 GB of data storage with high thermal conductivity and efficiency.
• Antenna Pointing Mechanisms: The satellite features a miniaturized design capable of achieving a rotational speed of 6 degrees per second with a pointing accuracy of ±1 degree.
• Flexible Solar Panels: These panels include a foldable substrate, GFRP tube, and CFRP honeycomb rigid end panel, enhancing power generation and structural integrity.
• Pyrolytic Graphite Sheet Diffuser Plate: Known for its high thermal conductivity, this component reduces mass and improves satellite performance.

Impact and Future Prospects

The successful launch of SSLV-D3 and EOS-08 is a testament to ISRO’s growing capabilities in space technology. The SSLV’s cost-effective and rapid deployment features are expected to expand India’s presence in the commercial satellite launch market. This achievement also underscores the potential for private industry involvement, as highlighted by Prime Minister Modi’s remarks.

Ananth Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (ATL), a key partner in this mission, has played a crucial role in the development and launch of the SSLV-D3 and EOS-08. Their contributions to satellite and launch vehicle systems highlight the collaborative efforts driving India’s space advancements.

As ISRO continues to push the frontiers of space exploration, the success of the EOS-08 mission marks a significant step forward in satellite technology, promising new opportunities for both scientific discovery and commercial growth.