The countdown for launching an Earth observation satellite onboard the third and final developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle-03 (SSLV-D3) began on Friday, August 16, 2024, according to ISRO.

This SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission follows the successful launch of the second test flight of SSLV-D2-EOS-07 in February 2023. The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a compact, cost-effective launcher designed to deploy small satellites into low Earth orbit, capable of carrying payloads up to 500 kg.

The successful completion of the SSLV-D3 mission will be a milestone for ISRO, marking the transition from the developmental phase to the operational phase of the SSLV program.

The launch is scheduled for August 17, 2024, and will be closely monitored by space enthusiasts and experts worldwide.