In a recent development, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) have made a joint decision to establish a maritime surveillance system in India. This monumental stride is slated to be in place by May 2019. The project involves putting together a constellation of low-Earth orbiting satellites specifically designed to identify and track ship movement across the globe – with a particular emphasis on monitoring the Indian Ocean region where France’s Reunion Islands are situated. Let’s delve deeper into this significant initiative.
Significance of the Maritime Surveillance System
This mutual agreement involves setting up a maritime surveillance center in India by May 2019. There is a specific interest in tracking the movements within the Indian Ocean region due to the presence of French territory, namely the Reunion Islands. The surveillance system would help in governing maritime traffic, providing security and further adding value to oceanographic studies. These efforts are an important step in strengthening ties between the two nations and contributing to global maritime security.
The Orbital Infrastructure: A Joint Venture
As part of the next phase of the programme, both countries are currently involved in studies for developing an orbital infrastructure that would be co-regulated. This is a complex process that requires extensive research and analysis. Currently, the French agency CNES is coordinating with its industrial partners and ISRO to generate the most suitable technical solution. Expertise from both sides will be pooled to achieve optimum results.
Past Collaborations: Setting the Foundation
This isn’t the first time ISRO and CNES have collaborated. They have previously launched two climate and ocean weather monitoring satellites – Megha-Tropiques (launched in 2011) and SARAL-AltiKa (launched in 2013) respectively. These pioneering projects laid the foundation for future collaborations and proved the potential effectiveness of joint efforts.
| Satellite | Year of Launch | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Megha-Tropiques | 2011 | Climate and Ocean weather monitoring |
| SARAL-AltiKa | 2013 | Climate and Ocean weather monitoring |
Future Endeavours: The Oceansat-3-Argos Mission and Beyond
The successful launch and operation of these satellites emboldened the two agencies to expand their fleet. This will be achieved with the launch of the Oceansat-3-Argos mission in 2020 and a prospective joint infrared Earth-observation satellite in the future. These impending missions underline the commitment by ISRO and CNES towards making significant contributions in space technology and global security.
About the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES)
CNES is the French government’s official space agency. It is headquartered in the heart of Paris and operates under the supervision of the French Ministries of Defence and Research. Established in 1961, CNES has played a vital role in global space research and development.
