The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone by launching the EMISAT satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This was done utilizing the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C45). In addition to EMISAT, the mission also included a payload of 28 international nanosatellites, hailing from numerous countries such as the United States, Lithuania, Spain, and Switzerland. Remarkably, this trip marked the longest mission for PSLV to date, with a duration of approximately three hours.
About EMISAT Satellite
EMISAT is a cutting-edge electronic intelligence satellite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This significant technological advancement has been designed to measure the electromagnetic spectrum. EMISAT’s robust design allows it to operate effectively in all weather conditions and terrain types, including rain, clouds, forests, and coastal regions.
| Specifications | Description |
|---|---|
| Satellite Mass | 436 kg |
| Manufacturer | ISRO |
| Orbit Type | Sun-synchronous Polar orbit(SSPO) |
| Altitude | About 753 km |
Polar Orbital Path
A polar orbit denotes a flight path where the satellite travels north-south over the Earth’s poles, effectively covering every part of the Earth as it rotates underneath. Typically, each revolution takes around 90 minutes. The inclination of these orbits is nearly 90 degrees, making them sun-synchronous, which means the angle between the line joining the center of the Earth and the satellite, and the Sun remains constant throughout the orbit.
EMISAT Utility & Purpose
Equipped with a radar to measure the electromagnetic spectrum, EMISAT is an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) satellite. It’s designed to intercept and analyse radar signals, pinpoint their location, and identify hostile radars based on their radio frequency (RF) signature. This technological accomplishment allows EMISAT and the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) to efficiently locate, handle, and neutralize enemy radars, thereby safeguarding Indian airspace.
Significance of the Launch
This mission holds significant importance as it marks the first time a PSLV has successfully placed objects in three separate orbits. The fourth stage of the mission involved restarting and halting the PSLV twice to reach the altitude of 507 km after the launch of EMISAT. During this stage, three experimental payloads were deployed for diverse purposes such as maritime satellite applications, amateur radio operator assistance, along with structural and compositional studies of the ionosphere. This unique accommodation offers a microgravity environment that benefits research organizations and academic institutes, which can use it for performing various experiments.