Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 17 August 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-08) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The SSLV-D3 rocket completed its third and final developmental flight, placing EOS-08 precisely into its intended orbit. This mission marks the successful conclusion of ISRO's SSLV Development Project.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated ISRO's successful launch of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Modi described the achievement as a significant milestone and expressed immense joy over India's new cost-effective launch vehicle. He extended his congratulations to the scientists, industry, and space agencies involved.

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath noted that the SSLV features a simpler design compared to traditional rockets, with a different navigation process and architecture. He acknowledged challenges in achieving precise satellite injection during earlier missions but confirmed that these issues have been resolved. The SSLV-D3 mission’s success marks the completion of the SSLV development program.

Somanath also mentioned that preparations for the Gaganyaan mission are underway, with a targeted launch planned for December.

Mission details and objectives

The six-and-a-half-hour countdown began at 2:47 am IST, leading to the launch. Designed for a mission life of one year, the EOS-08 satellite is built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus and carries three payloads: the Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R), and the SiC UV Dosimeter. These payloads are intended for various applications, including satellite-based surveillance, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.

Technological advancements

The EOS-08 satellite operates in a Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km with an inclination of 37.4°. It has a mass of approximately 175.5 kg and generates around 420 watts of power. Key components of the satellite include an Integrated Avionics system, cold redundant systems with commercial off-the-shelf components, and a range of onboard technologies such as a flexible solar panel and advanced antennas.

SSLV-D3-EOS-08: A milestone mission

This mission is the final developmental flight of the SSLV, a 34-meter-tall rocket designed to place small satellites weighing up to 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, with the rocket carrying three key payloads: the Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry payload (GNSS-R), and the SiC UV Dosimeter.

Advancing NewSpace India Ltd's commercial ventures

The SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission will not only complete the developmental phase of ISRO's smallest rocket but will also bolster the capabilities of NewSpace India Ltd, ISRO's commercial arm, to take up future commercial launches using SSLVs. The mission's success is expected to enhance ISRO's ability to deploy advanced small satellite technology for a range of applications, including disaster monitoring, environmental surveillance, and more.

Payload capabilities

The Earth Observation Satellite aboard SSLV-D3 is built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus and has a mission life of one year. Weighing approximately 175.5 kg, it generates around 420 W of power. The payloads on board will be used for a variety of purposes, including satellite-based surveillance, environmental monitoring, ocean surface wind analysis, and UV radiation monitoring in the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission.

[Excerpt from India TV "ISRO launches final developmental flight SSLV-D3-EOS8 from Sriharikota" Dated 16/08/24]

Q1. What is the main purpose of the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission launched by ISRO? 
(a) To launch a crewed mission to the Moon
(b) To launch a small satellite for Earth observation
(c) To test new communication technologies
(d) To launch a Mars exploration mission

  View Answer

Answer: (b) To launch a small satellite for Earth observation

Solution: The SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission's primary objective is to launch a small satellite designed for Earth observation. The mission includes the development of instruments and the use of new technology for future satellites.

Q2. Which payload on the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 satellite is used for analyzing ocean winds, soil moisture, and flood detection? 
(a) Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR)
(b) Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R)
(c) SiC UV Dosimeter
(d) X-Ray Spectrometer

  View Answer

Answer: (b) Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R)

Solution: The Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R) on the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 satellite is used to analyze ocean winds, soil moisture, and detect floods by utilizing GPS signals.

Q3. What is the height of the SSLV rocket used in the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission?
(a) 25 meters
(b) 34 meters
(c) 50 meters
(d) 60 meters

  View Answer

Answer: (b) 34 meters

Solution: The SSLV rocket used in the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission is approximately 34 meters tall, and it is capable of carrying payloads weighing up to 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Q4. When was the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission finally launched after being rescheduled? 
(a) August 14, 2024
(b) August 15, 2024
(c) August 16, 2024
(d) August 17, 2024

  View Answer

Answer: (c) August 16, 2024

Solution: The SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission was originally set for August 15, but it was rescheduled and successfully launched on August 16, 2024, at 9:19 am IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

Q5. What is the maximum payload capacity of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to sun-synchronous orbits?
(a) 100 kg
(b) 250 kg
(c) 500 kg
(d) 1,000 kg

  View Answer

Answer: (c) 500 kg

Solution: The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) can carry a maximum payload of about 500 kg to sun-synchronous orbits, making it suitable for quickly launching small satellites for various purposes, including commercial launches.