EARTH OBSERVATION SATELLITE EOS-08

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently successfully launched Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-08).
• The satellite was launched by Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota under SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission.
• The aim of this mission is to observe the Earth and provide critical data for various applications.
  • Mission: SSLV-D3/EOS-08
  • Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
  • Rocket: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3
  • Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

What are Earth Observation Satellites (EOS)?

• Earth Observation Satellites (EOS) are designed for remote sensing. 
• These satellites are used to track various aspects of the Earth and collect important data. 
• EOS satellites were earlier part of the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites, which have now been incorporated into the integrated EOS series.

Major objectives of Earth Observation (EO)

• Monitoring natural and anthropogenic activities
• Recording changes on Earth, such as natural disasters, deforestation, and climate change.
• Study of physical, chemical, biological, and human systems
• Observation of the Earth's surface, atmosphere, oceans, and biodiversity.
• Monitoring pollution and other human impacts.
• Defence and strategic uses
• Monitoring borders and providing accurate geospatial information to security agencies.
• Acting as surveillance satellites.

Applications and Benefits of EOS-08

Early Warning System

• EOS-08 will help in forecasting disasters and analyzing their intensity, thereby detecting disasters like floods, cyclones, earthquakes and forest fires.

Environmental Monitoring

• Monitoring pollution levels and studying its effects.
• Monitoring marine activities and coastal erosion.
• Protecting forest resources and tracking changes in vegetation coverage.

Agriculture and Climate Change Studies

• Analysis of crop conditions and assessment of water resources.
• Help in increasing agricultural production and combating climate change.

Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development

• Help in planning smart city projects and land use.
• Traffic management and monitoring of urban development.

National Security and Defence

• Help in ensuring and monitoring security of borders.
• Supporting role in military operations and disaster management.

SSLV-D3 Mission: An Important Step

• EOS-08 was launched through SSLV-D3 (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle - D3). 
• SSLV has been developed by ISRO specifically to launch small satellites at low cost.

Features of SSLV-D3:

• Capability to quickly launch small and medium satellites.
• Low cost and greater flexibility.
• Suitable for a variety of missions, especially commercial satellite launches.