Special pujas at Sri Chengalamma Temple as ISRO SSLV flight successfully puts EOS-08 satellite into orbit

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath on Friday paid a visit to the revered Sri Chengalamma Temple in Tirupati district to offer prayers before the crucial launch of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle-D3 (SSLV-D3). Special pujas were conducted at the temple, invoking blessings for the smooth and successful execution of the mission. The SSLV-D3 mission and the successful deployment of the EOS-08 satellite represent a significant step forward for ISRO in both technological innovation and operational capability. With its advanced payloads and the integration of new technologies, EOS-08 is set to play a crucial role in enhancing India’s Earth observation and disaster management capabilities.

ISRO SSLV-D3/EOS-08 Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-08 on Friday aboard the SSLV-D3, marking the third and final developmental flight of the small satellite launch vehicle. The SSLV-D3 placed EOS-08 precisely into the orbit, ISRO said in an update.


The SSLV-D3 lifted off majestically from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located approximately 135 kilometers east of Chennai, at precisely 9:17 AM. This launch represents a significant milestone in ISRO’s ongoing efforts to develop and operationalize small satellite launch vehicles, providing a cost-effective and flexible solution for launching small satellites into low Earth orbit.

EOS-08 mission Mission Objectives

The EOS-08 mission is pivotal in advancing India’s capabilities in space-based Earth observation. The primary objectives of the mission, as outlined by ISRO, include the design and development of a microsatellite and the creation of payload instruments that are compatible with the microsatellite bus. These objectives are part of a broader strategy to integrate and test new technologies that will be critical for future operational satellites.

The EOS-08 is built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, a versatile platform designed for small satellite missions. This particular satellite is equipped with three innovative payloads: the Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R), and the SiC UV Dosimeter. Each of these payloads serves a distinct purpose, contributing to a wide range of applications in Earth observation.

The EOIR payload is designed to capture high-resolution images across the Mid-Wave Infrared (MIR) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) bands, both during day and night. This capability is crucial for a variety of applications, including satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, environmental monitoring, and industrial oversight. The payload's ability to detect fire, observe volcanic activity, and monitor industrial and power plant disasters makes it a valuable tool for both civilian and governmental agencies. The data gathered by EOIR will enhance India's ability to respond to natural disasters and monitor environmental changes.

The GNSS-R payload on EOS-08 is designed to demonstrate the use of GNSS-R-based remote sensing for a range of applications. These include analyzing ocean surface winds, assessing soil moisture levels, studying the cryosphere over the Himalayan region, and detecting floods and inland water bodies. By leveraging reflected signals from existing navigation satellites, the GNSS-R payload provides a cost-effective method for environmental monitoring, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach with traditional sensors.

The third payload, the SiC UV Dosimeter, is designed to monitor ultraviolet (UV) irradiance levels at the viewport of the Crew Module in ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space. The SiC UV Dosimeter also serves as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation, ensuring the safety of astronauts by alerting them to dangerous levels of radiation. This technology is crucial for the Gaganyaan mission, contributing to the overall safety and success of India’s manned space exploration efforts.