The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is set to launch the Earth Observation Satellite-08 (EOS-08) aboard the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 on Independence Day, August 15, at 9:17 am. The launch will take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. EOS-08 is designed to enhance environmental monitoring, disaster management, and support for the Gaganyaan mission.
“It will complete the SSLV development project and will enable operational missions by Indian industry and NSIL,” Isro said.
The satellite carries three primary payloads: the Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry payload (GNSS-R), and the SiC UV Dosimeter.
The EOIR payload is engineered to capture images in both the Mid-Wave Infrared (MIR) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) bands, providing critical data for applications such as satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, environmental observation, fire detection, volcanic activity tracking, and industrial disaster assessment.
This payload will operate both day and night, ensuring continuous data collection.
The GNSS-R payload demonstrates the potential of using GNSS-R-based remote sensing for various applications, including ocean surface wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, cryosphere studies over the Himalayan region, flood detection, and monitoring inland water bodies. This capability is crucial for accurate weather forecasting and flood warnings.
The SiC UV Dosimeter monitors UV irradiance at the viewport of the Crew Module in the Gaganyaan Mission and serves as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation, ensuring the safety of astronauts.
Built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, EOS-08 is configured to operate in a Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km with an inclination of 37.4°. The satellite weighs approximately 175.5 kg, generates about 420 W of power, and has a mission life of one year.
EOS-08 represents a significant advancement in satellite mainframe systems with the inclusion of an Integrated Avionics system, known as the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package.
This system consolidates multiple functions into a single efficient unit, showcasing ISRO’s commitment to innovative mission management.
The launch of EOS-08 on Independence Day not only marks a technological milestone for ISRO but also underscores India‘s growing capabilities in space exploration and satellite technology.