ISRO's Launch of EOS-09 Satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the earth observation satellite EOS-09 using its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on May 18, at 5:59 am from Sriharikota.

Mission Overview

• The EOS-09 is a remote sensing satellite mission.
• This mission follows a failed attempt four months earlier to place the navigation satellite NVS-02 into orbit.
• The EOS-09 satellite is equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload to capture earth images in all weather conditions.
• It is designed to enhance the frequency of observations, similar to EOS-04 launched in 2022.

Launch Vehicle and Facilities

• This mission marks the second use of the newly established Payload Integration Facility (PIF) for PSLV assembly, following last December's Spadex mission.
• The PIF enables the integration of the launch vehicle separately from the launch pad, allowing for multiple launches.

Launch and Orbit Details

• The satellite is expected to reach its orbit approximately 17 minutes after lift-off.
• EOS-09 will be positioned in a Sun-synchronous polar orbit, ensuring it passes over the same place at the same time daily.

End-of-Mission Considerations

• The satellite will carry fuel to facilitate its de-orbiting at the end of its five-year mission life.
• The orbit will be adjusted so that the satellite re-enters the Earth's atmosphere and disintegrates within two years, ensuring a debris-free end.
• The fuel on the fourth stage of the launch vehicle will be removed to prevent potential space debris accidents, aligning with international guidelines.