The EOS-02 (Aka the Microsat 2A) is a small Indian earth observing satellite developed by ISRO as a test payload for the maiden SSLV launch.

The satellite is being realised based on Microsat-TD to demonstrate launch on demand capability with SSLV. It is expected to meet the increasing user demands for cartographic applications at cadastral level, urban and rural management, coastal land use and regulation, utilities mapping, development and various other GIS applications.

The satellite carries two payloads, MWIR and LWIR, with 6m ground resolution. The mass of the spacecraft is 142 kg and it will be placed at an altitude of 350 km. The mission life of the satellite is 10 months.

Courtesy of ISRO

The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle is a 3 stage launch vehicle configured with three Solid Propulsion Stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module as a terminal stage. SSLV is 2m in diameter and 34m in length with a lift-off weight of 120 tonnes.

SSLV is capable of launching 500kg satellites in a 500km planar orbit from SDSC/SHAR. The key features of SSLV are low cost, low turn-around time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, launch on-demand feasibility, and minimal launch infrastructure requirements.

VEHICLE CONFIGURATION

- 2m diameter x 34m long

- Lift-off mass: 120T

- Three solid propulsion stages

- Liquid module as terminal stage

PAYLOAD CAPABILITY

- Single/multi satellites- nano, micro, and mini satellites

- Single satellites up to 500kg in 500km planar orbit

- Multiple satellites ranging from 10kg to 300kg into 500km planar orbit

Courtesy of ISRO

Satish Dhawan Space Centre or Sriharikota Range is a rocket launch center operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation. It is located in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

Chosen for its remote location, the center became operational in 1971 and hosted its first launch that year for a suborbital mission.

The first orbital launch took place on August 10, 1979.

The spaceport received its current name in 2005 when it was named in honor of Satish Dhawan, the former head of the Indian Space Research Organisation.

The facility has two launch pads and will be the base of India's upcoming human spaceflight program.

Image: ISRO