ISRO successfully launched the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D3) carrying the EOS-08 earth observation satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The SSLV-D3 mission marks the final developmental flight of ISRO’s smallest rocket, which now becomes fully operational for future missions.
The mission is expected to boost NewSpace India Ltd’s commercial satellite launch operations.
It follows the successful SSLV-D2-EOS-07 mission in February 2023 and is ISRO’s third mission of 2024.
The SSLV-D3 will help enhance the collaboration between ISRO, the Indian industry, and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
The SSLV, ISRO’s smallest rocket, stands at 34 meters tall and is capable of carrying payloads of up to 500 kg into low earth orbit.
The primary goals of the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission include the design and development of a microsatellite, the creation of payload instruments, and the integration of new technologies for future operational satellites.
The EOS-08 satellite carries three payloads: the Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR) for satellite-based surveillance and environmental monitoring, the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry payload (GNSS-R) for ocean surface wind analysis and flood detection, and the SiC UV Dosimeter for monitoring UV irradiance, crucial for India’s Gaganyaan Mission.
The satellite, with a mass of 175.5 kg and a mission life of one year, is built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus and generates around 420 W of power.
This mission will further support NSIL’s commercial satellite launch capabilities, expanding India’s role in the global space industry.
