EOS-08 EARTH OBSERVATION SATELLITE

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: On August 16, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked another significant milestone by successfully launching the EOS-08 Earth Observation Satellite.

EXPLANATION:

  • This launch was carried out using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

SSLV-D3: The Third and Final Development Flight

  • The SSLV-D3, in its third and final developmental flight, lifted off from the first launch pad at 9:17 am IST.
  • The rocket’s trajectory was precise, and 17 minutes after launch, the EOS-08 satellite was successfully injected into a 475 km circular orbit, as planned.
  • ISRO Chairman confirmed the mission’s success, highlighting that the rocket had placed the spacecraft in an exact orbit with no deviations.
  • The success of SSLV-D3 marks the completion of the SSLV’s development process, paving the way for the technology’s transfer to the industry for serial production.
  • ISRO has declared the SSLV ready for regular launches, indicating a new chapter in India’s space capabilities, particularly in launching small satellites.

EOS-08 Satellite: A Technological Marvel

  • EOS-08 is a first-of-its-kind mission, built on ISRO’s Microsat/IMS-1 bus, equipped with a suite of advanced payloads for infrared (IR) observation, GNSS-R (Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry), and a SiC UV dosimeter.
  • These advanced payloads demonstrate significant technological innovations and capabilities.

Key Technologies Onboard EOS-08

  • Integrated Avionics System:
    • The satellite features an advanced Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package, which is integrated into the structural panel with embedded PCB (Printed Circuit Board).
    • This includes an embedded battery system, showcasing the innovative design of the satellite.
  • Micro-DGA and M-PAA:
    • EOS-08 is equipped with a Micro Dual Gimbal Antenna (Micro-DGA) and a Phased Array Antenna (M-PAA), which enhance its communication capabilities and operational flexibility.
  • Flexible Solar Panels and Nano Star Sensor:
    • The satellite’s flexible solar panels and nano star sensors are part of the technology demonstration, indicating a move towards more compact and efficient satellite designs.

Payloads and Their Applications

  • Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR):
    • This payload is capable of imaging in the Mid-Wave Infrared (MIR) and Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) bands during both day and night.
    • It is designed for a wide range of applications, including satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, environmental monitoring, fire detection, volcanic activity observation, and monitoring industrial and power plant disasters.
  • Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R):
    • This payload demonstrates the ability to use GNSS-R based remote sensing for various applications such as monitoring ocean surface winds, soil moisture levels, cryosphere studies over the Himalayan region, flood detection, and the detection of inland water bodies.
  • SiC UV Dosimeter:
    • This sensor monitors UV irradiance at the View Port of the Crew Module in the Gaganyaan Mission.
    • It also functions as a high-dose alarm sensor for UV radiation, showcasing its importance in future crewed missions.

Mission Configuration and Additional Payload

  • The EOS-08 mission is designed to operate in a circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km with an inclination of 37.4°.
  • The satellite has a mission life of one year. Alongside EOS-08, the SSLV-D3 also carried and successfully deployed the SR-0 DEMOSAT, developed by Space Kidz India, into the intended orbit.

SSLV: A Versatile Launch Vehicle

  • The SSLV is designed to launch mini, micro, or nano satellites with a mass ranging from 10 to 500 kg into a 500 km planar orbit.
  • It is a three-stage launch vehicle, utilizing all-solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as its terminal stage.
  • The SSLV’s design emphasizes low cost, quick turnaround time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, launch-on-demand capability, and minimal launch infrastructure requirements.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-earth-observation-satellite-sslv-d3-eos-08-launch-sriharikota-august-16-2024/article68531393.ece

Spread the Word