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.