ISRO EOS-08 Satellite Launch: A New Milestone in India’s Space Exploration
A Remarkable Achievement in India's Space Journey
ISRO EOS-08 Satellite Launch: In a groundbreaking development, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This launch, conducted on a serene Friday morning, marked a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey, reinforcing the country’s position as a global leader in space technology.
The Successful Launch of SSLV-D3/EOS-08: A Technological Marvel
The EOS-08 satellite was launched aboard the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 at 9:17 am, marking the third and final developmental flight of this mission. The launch vehicle was developed as part of ISRO’s efforts to create a cost-effective solution for deploying small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). The SSLV-D3 successfully placed EOS-08 precisely into its intended orbit, completing the SSLV Development Project, which now paves the way for the Indian industry and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) to produce SSLVs for future commercial missions.
Prime Minister Modi’s Praise: A New Era for India’s Space Industry
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his admiration for ISRO’s achievement, calling it a “remarkable milestone” in India’s space endeavors. In a congratulatory post on X, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the new SSLV in enabling cost-effective space missions and fostering private industry participation. He extended his best wishes to ISRO, IN-SPACe, NSIL, and the entire space industry for this outstanding accomplishment.
EOS-08: A New Frontier in Earth Observation
The Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-08) is a sophisticated microsatellite with a mission duration of one year. Built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, the satellite carries three advanced payloads: the Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry payload (GNSS-R), and the SiC UV Dosimeter.
EOIR Payload: Enhancing Satellite-Based Surveillance and Environmental Monitoring
The EOIR payload is designed to capture images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) bands, enabling day and night observations. Its applications are vast, ranging from satellite-based surveillance to disaster monitoring, environmental studies, fire detection, volcanic activity observation, and industrial disaster monitoring.
GNSS-R Payload: Revolutionizing Remote Sensing
The GNSS-R payload introduces a new dimension to remote sensing, utilizing GNSS-R-based techniques for applications such as ocean surface wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, cryosphere studies over the Himalayan region, flood detection, and inland waterbody monitoring. This innovative payload enhances the accuracy and scope of data collected for various Earth observation purposes.
SiC UV Dosimeter: Safeguarding Human Spaceflight
The SiC UV Dosimeter plays a critical role in monitoring UV irradiance at the viewport of the Crew Module in the Gaganyaan Mission, India’s ambitious manned spaceflight project. Additionally, it serves as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation, ensuring the safety of astronauts during space missions.
Advanced Technology and Design: The Heart of EOS-08
EOS-08 showcases several technological advancements that enhance its performance and reliability. The satellite operates in a Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km with an inclination of 37.4°, maintaining a mission life of one year. Weighing approximately 175.5 kg, the satellite generates around 420 W of power, sufficient to support its operations.
Integrated Avionics System: A Game-Changer in Satellite Design
The Integrated Avionics system, known as the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package, is a highlight of EOS-08’s design. This system combines multiple functions into a single, efficient unit, reducing the need for separate components. Built using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and evaluation boards, the CBSP Package supports up to 400 GB of data storage, making it a critical component of the satellite’s operations.
Miniaturized Design: A Leap Towards Compact Satellites
The EOS-08 satellite incorporates several miniaturized components that enhance its functionality while reducing its size and weight. These include a structural panel embedded with a printed circuit board (PCB), an embedded battery, a Micro-DGA (Dual Gimbal Antenna), an M-PAA (Phased Array Antenna), and a flexible solar panel. The miniaturized phased array antenna, capable of achieving a rotational speed of 6 degrees per second, ensures precise pointing accuracy of ±1 degree, improving communication capabilities.
Flexible Solar Panel: Powering the Future
The flexible solar panel of EOS-08 is another technological marvel. It features a foldable solar panel substrate, GFRP tube, and CFRP honeycomb rigid end panel, providing improved power generation and structural integrity. This design not only enhances the satellite’s efficiency but also represents a significant advancement in space technology.
Pyrolytic Graphite Sheet Diffuser Plate: Enhancing Thermal Management
The satellite employs a pyrolytic graphite sheet diffuser plate, renowned for its high thermal conductivity of 350 W/mK. This component reduces the overall mass of the satellite while effectively managing its thermal environment, ensuring optimal performance under various conditions.
Streamlined Assembly Process: Reducing Time and Effort
The EOS-08 mission has adopted a new method of integrating housekeeping panels using a hinge-based fixture. This innovation significantly reduces the duration of the Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) phase, making the satellite development process more efficient and cost-effective.
