Launch of EOS-8: Advancements in Earth Observation Satellite

EOS-8

Source: ISRO

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Context:

The Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) is likely to be launched on August 15.
The EOS-8 will be launched by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3.

About Earth Observation Satellite-8:

Launch Vehicle	Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3
Mission Objective	Development of a microsatellite platform. Integration of advanced payload instruments. Implementation of new technologies for future operations.
Microsatellite Bus	Microsat/IMS-1
Payloads	Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): This payload captures images in the Mid-Wave Infrared (MIR) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) bands. It operates both day and night, providing crucial data for applications like: Satellite-based surveillance Disaster monitoring Environmental monitoring Fire detection Volcanic activity observation Industrial and power plant disaster monitoring Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R): This instrument uses signals from navigation satellites to measure various Earth surface properties. It is particularly useful for: Sea surface height measurements Soil moisture content Ocean wind speed Monitoring of ice cover and changes Silicon Carbide (SiC) UV Dosimeter: This instrument measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. It helps in understanding the UV radiation profile, which has implications for: Climatic studies Ozone layer monitoring Biological impact assessments
Mission Life	1 year

Technological Innovations:

EOS-8 marks a significant technological advancement with the integration of the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package.
This package combines multiple functions into a single unit, leading to enhanced efficiency and performance of the satellite.

It includes:

Applications and Impacts

The data and imagery from EOS-8 will have wide-ranging applications that are vital for various sectors:

Government: Enhancing national security through surveillance and disaster management.
Environmental Agencies: Monitoring climate change and environmental conditions.
Agriculture: Providing data on soil moisture and crop health.
Urban Planning: Assisting in land use and infrastructure development.

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR)	Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR)
Wavelength Range: 3µm to 5µm (3,000 to 5,000nm) Detection: Radiant heat detected by uncooled thermal imaging cameras Capabilities: Achieves the longest-range detection for thermal infrared surveillance Cooled via cryo-cooler for extreme range, high contrast, and minimal noise	Wavelength Range: 8µm to 14µm (8,000 to 14,000nm) Detection: Radiant heat detected by uncooled thermal imaging cameras Advantages: More affordable than cooled MWIR thermal imaging due to simpler sensors and lower maintenance requirements. Enhanced image quality with large aperture Germanium lenses, leading to cleaner and sharper images.

Conclusion:

The launch of EOS-8 is a testament to ISRO's ongoing efforts to harness space technology for national development.
It reflects a strategic move to consolidate satellite capabilities for comprehensive Earth observation.
As India steps into a new era of space exploration, EOS-8 stands as a symbol of technological prowess and a catalyst for future innovations.
This launch not only commemorates India's Independence Day but also represents the country's strides towards achieving self-reliance in space technology.
With EOS-8, ISRO is controlled to deliver enhanced observational data, contributing significantly to various scientific, environmental, and strategic initiatives.

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Source:

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following statements regarding the Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) is/are correct?

The EOS-8 is set to be launched by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3.
The primary objective of EOS-8 includes the development of a microsatellite platform and integration of advanced payload instruments.
The Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR) of EOS-8 operates only during nighttime for surveillance applications.
The mission life of EOS-8 is expected to last for two years.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1, 2, and 4 only

D) 1, 2, and 3 only

Answer: (A)