About Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

• It is capable of launching mini, micro or nano satellites (10 to 500 kg mass) into 500 km planar orbit. 

• SSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle with all solid propulsion stages and liquid propulsion based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as terminal stage.

• Design drivers of SSLV are low cost, low turn-around time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, launch on demand feasibility, minimal launch infrastructure requirements, etc.

• SSLV-D3 is the third developmental flight of SSLV.

About EOS-08 Earth Observation Satellite

• The EOS-08 is an Earth Observation Satellite built on ISRO’s Microsat/IMS-1 bus platform. It is designed to operate in a circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km and has a mission life of one year.

The EOS-08 satellite carries three key payloads:

• Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): The EOIR captures images in the Mid-Wave Infrared (MIR) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) bands. It operates day and night, supporting applications like satellite-based surveillance, disaster and environmental monitoring, fire detection, volcanic activity tracking, and industrial disaster monitoring.

• Global Navigation Satellite System — Reflectometry (GNSS-R) Payload: The GNSS-R payload demonstrates remote sensing using GNSS-R for applications like measuring ocean surface winds, detecting soil moisture, monitoring the Himalayan cryosphere, and identifying floods and inland water bodies.

• SiC UV Dosimeter: The SiC UV dosimeter measures UV radiation.

Technological Advancements

• The EOS-08 satellite includes an Integrated Avionics System that combines communication, baseband, storage, and positioning (CBSP) functions.

• It also has a structural panel with an embedded printed circuit board (PCB) and battery.

Mission Significance

• The successful launch of SSLV-D3 and the precise orbit placement of the EOS-08 satellite are major milestones for ISRO.

• This mission enhances India’s Earth observation abilities and showcases new advancements in satellite technology.