The Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) is expected to be launched on August 15, according to sources from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The satellite will be deployed using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3. The launch is planned to occur from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, coinciding with India’s Independence Day.
Mission Objectives
The EOS-08 mission aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Microsatellite Design and Development: To design and develop a microsatellite.
- Payload Instrumentation: To create payload instruments compatible with the microsatellite bus.
- Technology Integration: To incorporate new technologies necessary for future operational satellites.
Payloads and Functions
The EOS-08, built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, carries three primary payloads:
- Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR):
- Captures images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) bands.
- Applications: Satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, environmental monitoring, fire detection, volcanic activity observation, and industrial and power plant disaster monitoring.
- Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R):
- Utilizes GNSS-R-based remote sensing.
- Applications: Ocean surface wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, cryosphere studies over the Himalayan region, flood detection, and inland waterbody detection.
- SiC UV Dosimeter:
- Monitors UV irradiance at the viewport of the Crew Module in the Gaganyaan Mission.
- Serves as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation.
- The spacecraft has a mission life of one year.
Technological Advancements
The EOS-08 represents a significant advancement in satellite mainframe systems. It features an Integrated Avionics system known as the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package, which integrates multiple functions into a single, efficient unit.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. On which date is the Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) expected to be launched?
- A) August 10
- B) August 15
- C) August 20
- D) August 25
- Answer: B) August 15
2. Which launch vehicle will be used to deploy the EOS-8?
- A) PSLV-C47
- B) GSLV-Mk III
- C) SSLV-D3
- D) SLV
- Answer: C) SSLV-D3
3. What is the mission life of the EOS-08 spacecraft?
- A) 6 months
- B) 12 months
- C) 18 months
- D) 24 months
- Answer: B) 12 months
4. Which payload on the EOS-08 is designed to capture images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) bands?
- A) GNSS-R
- B) EOIR
- C) SiC UV Dosimeter
- D) CBSP Package
- Answer: B) EOIR
5. What does the SiC UV Dosimeter monitor?
- A) Ocean surface wind
- B) Soil moisture
- C) UV irradiance and gamma radiation
- D) Cryosphere studies
- Answer: C) UV irradiance and gamma radiation