ISRO is scheduled to launch the third developmental mission of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) on August 16 at 9:19 a.m. from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. SSLV-D3/EOS-08 will test the small satellite launch vehicle and send the EOS-08 Earth observation satellite into orbit.
If successful, the SSLV will finish development as ISRO’s small-lift launch vehicle, capable of transporting payloads weighing up to 500 kg into Low Earth orbit. This milestone will enable Indian industry to use this rocket for future missions, according to NewSpace India Limited.
The mission’s objectives include demonstrating the SSLV’s consistent flight performance and launching the EOS-08 satellite and SR-0 DEMOSAT into a 475 km circular orbit.
The EOS-08 satellite weighs 175.5 kg and has a one-year mission life. It carries three main payloads: an Electro-Optical Infrared Payload for satellite-based surveillance and disaster monitoring, a Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry Payload for ocean surface and soil moisture analysis, and a SiC UV Dosimeter for UV radiation monitoring.
The SSLV’s first flight in August 2022 failed, while the second flight in February 2023 was successful. This mission allows ISRO to achieve a hat-trick of accomplishments in 2024, following the successful PSLV and GSLV flights earlier this year.
