ISRO Likely To Launch Earth Observation Satellite-08 On Independence Day

ISRO's EOS-08 satellite, set to launch on Independence Day, carries three payloads for environmental monitoring, weather forecasting, and Gaganyaan mission support.

ISRO's latest Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-08, is scheduled for launch on August 15, Independence Day, via the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3. The EOS-08 mission aims to develop a microsatellite, design compatible payload instruments, and integrate new technologies for future satellites. The launch will take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

EOS-08 hosts three primary payloads: Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry payload (GNSS-R), and SiC UV Dosimeter.

What The Payloads Will Do

The payloads are designed to provide highly accurate data with an impressive stabilised imaging system to capture details on environmental changes, natural disasters, etc. The satellite will also help in studying the nature of ocean winds, soil moisture, and ultraviolet radiation, which will be instrumental in predicting weather and climate changes.

The EOIR payload will help in various sectors, such as satellite-based surveillance, disaster and environmental monitoring, fire detection, volcanic observation, and industrial disaster assessment.

The GNSS-R payload is used for ocean surface wind analysis, soil moisture measurement, cryosphere studies in the Himalayas, flood detection, and monitoring inland water bodies. This will help with weather forecasting and the issuance of flood warnings.  

The SiC UV Dosimeter measures UV irradiance on the crew module in the Gaganyaan Mission and will serve as a gamma radiation high-dose alarm sensor.

The satellite is configured to operate in a Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km and has a mission life of one year. It weighs around 175.5 kg and generates about 420 W of power.  

The 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, which consolidates multiple functions into a single efficient unit, according to the Indian Space Agency.