Context:
ISRO launched Earth Observation Satellite EOS-08.
SSLV-D3/EOS-08 Mission:
- Launch: By Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
- Orbit: Circular Low Earth Orbit at 475 km altitude, inclination of 37.4°, mission life of 1 year.
- SR-0 DEMOSAT: Developed by Space Kidz India.
- Objectives –
- Designing and developing a microsatellite.
- Creating payload instruments compatible with the microsatellite bus.
- Incorporating new technologies for future operational satellites.
Payloads of EOS-08 Mission
- Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): Images in Mid-Wave & Long Wave Infrared bands for Disaster Monitoring, Environmental Monitoring, etc.
- Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R): Remote sensing for measuring ocean winds, soil moisture, Himalayan cryosphere, etc.
- SiC UV Dosimeter: Monitors UV irradiance at Gaganyaan mission’s crew module viewport, serves as a high-dose alarm sensor for astronaut safety.
Earth Observatory Satellites (EOS):
- Definition: Designed for Earth observation (EO) from orbit.
- EO: Collects information about natural and artificial activities on Earth, including physical, chemical, biological, and human systems.
- Applications: Used in Early warning systems, environmental impact monitoring, etc.
Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3
- Flight: Third developmental flight of SSLV.
- Capability: Launching Mini, Micro, or Nano satellites (10 to 500 kg mass) into 500 km planar orbit.
- Stages: Three solid fuel-based stages and a final liquid-fuel based stage.
- Benefits: Low cost, low turn-around time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, launch on demand feasibility, minimal launch infrastructure requirements.
Source: HT
Previous Year Question
With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:
1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 only
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct:
Satellites launched by GSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
Statement 3 is not correct:
PSLV is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
GSLV Mk III is a three-staged launch vehicle with 1st stage using solid rocket motor, 2nd stage using liquid fuel and 3rd stage using cryogenic engine.
