ISRO successfully launches earth observation satellite onboard third and final developmental flight SSLV-D3-EOS8 mission

ISRO successfully launches earth observation satellite on SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission, boosting commercial space launches with new technologies.

The Indian Space Research Organisation on Friday (August 16, 2024) successfully launched an earth observation satellite, onboard the third and final development flight of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle-03 from the the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota

The SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission follows the second successful launch of the second test flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2-EOS-07) in February 2023.

Today's mission is the third for the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency in 2024, after the successful PSLV-C58/XpoSat in January and GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS missions in February.

The smallest SSLV rocket, which measures about 34 metre in height, was planned to be launched on August 15 at 9.17 am and was later rescheduled to August 16, at 9.19 am from the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre here.

The primary objectives of the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission include designing and developing a microsatellite, creating payload instruments compatible with the microsatellite bus, and incorporating new technologies required for future operational satellites, ISRO said.

With today's (August 16, 2024) mission, ISRO completes the developmental flight of the smallest rocket which can carry satellites weighing up to 500 kg and can place them into Low Earth Orbit (of up to 500 km above Earth).

The mission would also give a boost to NewSpace India Ltd, the commercial arm of ISRO to take up commercial launches using such Small Satellite Launch Vehicles with the industry.