With the successful launch of its Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-08) on August 16, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) celebrated a significant accomplishment. The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota launched the satellite into orbit.
The Journey of SSLV: From Initial Challenges to Success
The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) has made a remarkable comeback after a difficult start with the successful deployment of the Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8). An error in placing the EOS-02 satellite and a student-built cubesat into their respective orbits caused the satellites to return to Earth earlier than planned, which was a setback for the SSLV-D3 on its first flight in August 2022. Still, ISRO moved quickly to resolve the problems, and the SSLV’s next mission in February 2023 was successful in putting three payloads into their intended orbits.
Completion of SSLV Development Project Opens New Horizons for Indian Space Industry
The SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission was successfully launched on Friday, marking a significant accomplishment for the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). With this, ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) Development Project comes to an end as the third and last SSLV developmental flight is accomplished. In Srihari Kota, Andhra Pradesh, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, the launch occurred.
SSLV-D3/EOS-08 Mission
Tracking images 📸 pic.twitter.com/1TSVx19ZDk
— ISRO (@isro) August 16, 2024With the successful launch of the EOS-08 satellite into its intended orbit, ISRO has created a momentous occasion for India’s space industry. The success of SSLV-D3-EOS-08, the organization said on X, not only shows the capabilities of the SSLV but also opens the door for the Indian space industry to build SSLVs for commercial launches. Through knowledge transfer to business partners and New Space India Limited (NSIL), this initiative is expected to strengthen India’s standing in the global space market.
Key Aspects of the EOS-08 Mission
ISRO successfully launches Small Satellite Launch Vehicle-03 (SSLV-D3-EOS-08) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/EEcp54dB0g
— Avinash K S🇮🇳 (@AvinashKS14) August 16, 2024With the EOS-08 mission, microsatellite technology has evolved tremendously. The satellite, which is based on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, is outfitted with a range of advanced payloads and has a one-year operational mission planned. These payloads include:
- High-resolution infrared pictures are captured for use in Earth observation by the Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR).
- The Earth’s surface and atmosphere are studied through the use of satellite navigation system signals by the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R).
- The SiC UV Dosimeter is used to measure the amount of UV radiation in space.
Refining microsatellite technology, creating payload sensors that work with the microsatellite bus, and integrating new technologies for use in future satellites were the main objectives of the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission. With the successful launch of SSLV-D3-EOS-08, ISRO’s small satellite launch capabilities have advanced significantly, paving the way for next commercial space missions and showcasing the rocket’s capacity to transport payloads up to 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
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