Geo-imaging satellite EOS-03 scheduled for launch in third quarter of 2021

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is scheduled to launch the geo-imaging satellite for earth observation EOS-03 in the third quarter of 2021.
• It would enable near-real-time monitoring of natural disasters like floods & cyclones.
• The first developmental flight of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle or SSLV is scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2021 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

EOS-03:

• ISRO has made a geo-imaging satellite, “EOS-03”, for Earth Observation from Geostationary Orbit.
• EOS-03 is capable of imaging the whole country four-five times daily and would enable near real-time monitoring of natural disasters like floods and cyclones.
• In addition to natural disasters, EOS-03 would also enable monitoring of water bodies, crops, vegetation condition, forest cover changes.
• It is capable of imaging the whole country four-five times daily.
• Radar imaging is unaffected by weather, cloud or fog, or the lack of sunlight. It can produce high-quality images in all conditions and at all times.

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV):

• The SSLV is a cost-effective, three-stage and all-solid launch vehicle with a payload capability of 500 kg to 500 km planar orbit or 300 kg to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit.
• It is ideal for the on-demand, quick turn-around launch of small satellites.
• The major technologies developed as part of SSLV are flexible nozzle control with electro-mechanical actuators for all stages, miniaturized avionics, and a velocity trimming module in the upper stage for precise satellite injection.
• Unlike the PSLV and GSLV, the SSLV can be assembled both vertically and horizontally.
• It has three stage solid propulsion system, and like the PSLV and GSLV, can accommodate multiple satellites, albeit smaller ones.