ISRO launches EOS-08 from Sriharikota
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has achieved another major milestone. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle-D3) launched Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-08) from SSLV-D3 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This is after the second successful launching of the second test flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2-EOS-07) in February 2023.
After the successful launch, ISRO said that ‘the EOS-08 satellite has been successfully placed in orbit with the help of SSLV-D3 rocket. SSLV has been a text book mission, like the other mission. Not a single small mistake has been made.’ This is the third mission in 2024 for the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency after the successful launch of PSLV-C58/XpoSat missions in January and GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS missions in February. ISRO stated that the SSLV-D3-EOS08 mission – the six-and-a-half-hour countdown before launch had already started at 02.47 hrs IST.
ISRO stated that among the primary objectives of the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission is to design and develop a microsatellite. As well as creating payload devices compatible with microsatellites and incorporating new technologies needed for future operational satellites. With this mission ISRO has completed the developmental flight of the smallest rocket, which can carry satellites weighing up to 500 kg. The mission will also promote ISRO’s commercial arm NewSpace India Limited to conduct commercial launches using such small satellite launch vehicles in collaboration with industry.
