The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently experienced the unfortunate loss of an essential Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-03) during its launch. The malfunction occurred approximately five minutes after lift-off, when the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket carrying the satellite failed to perform as expected.
The Role of Earth Observation Satellites
Earth observation satellites are equipped with remote sensing technology, which allows for the collection of vital information about Earth’s physical, chemical, and biological systems. These satellites often operate on a sun-synchronous orbit. ISRO has previously launched several influential earth observation satellites, including RESOURCESAT-2, CARTOSAT-1, RISAT-1, OCEANSAT-2, INSAT-3DR among others.
Characteristics and Purpose of EOS-03
EOS-03 had the unique ability to image the entire country four to five times daily, riding on a GSLV-F10 rocket featuring a new payload carrier that reduces aerodynamic drag for larger payloads. The satellite was intended to reach the geostationary transfer orbit, where it would be guided further to a geostationary orbit 36,000 km from Earth’s surface by its onboard propulsion system.
This satellite, part of a new generation of earth-observation spacecraft, was designed to provide almost real-time images used for monitoring various aspects like natural disasters, water bodies, crops, vegetation, and forest cover.
Planned Launches and Delays
EOS-03 was scheduled to be launched ahead of EOS-02, whose launch was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Initially, EOS-02 was expected to be launched in March-April 2021 but is now postponed to September-October. The future launch is planned to be on ISRO’s new SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket which will cater to the rising demand for the launch of small commercial satellites. The first in the series of these new Earth Observation Satellites, EOS-01, was launched by ISRO in November 2020.
About GSLV and its Importance
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, GSLV, is a space launch vehicle developed and utilized by ISRO to launch satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbits. This three-stage launcher has strap-on motors and possesses the capability of carrying a heavier payload into orbit than the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
The GSLV-F10 Launch Failure and Its Impacts
The failure of the GSLV-F10 launch was attributed to the malfunctioning of the rocket’s crucial third stage, which uses an indigenously-made Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS). Unfortunately, it failed to ignite. This failure has raised concerns about future missions planned for 2020-21 worth an estimated Rs 701.5 crore, including satellites such as OCEANSAT-3, GISAT-2, RISAT-2A etc.
The Way Forward: Future Missions
Despite the setback, ISRO has significant plans that include launching missions like Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-3 on GSLV Mk-III, an advanced version designed to carry much heavier payloads. Concerns hover over the ambitious NISAR mission, a unique collaboration between NASA and ISRO for a joint earth-observation satellite. NISAR intends to use two synthetic aperture radars (SAR) to monitor Earth in a 12-day cycle, marking it as the most critical mission involving the GSLV Mk-II rocket so far.
