The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled its annual report for 2019-20, which reveals ambitious plans for the space authority. Armed with a budget of ₹13,480 crores for 2020-21, ISRO operates 19 national Earth Observation (EO) satellites, 18 communication satellites, and 8 navigation satellites. These are currently engaged in a range of services including broadcasting, telephony, internet, weather forecasting, agriculture-related prediction, security, disaster rescue, and location-specific services. In addition, three communication satellites are dedicated solely to military communication and networking.
Annual Plan Key Points
The annual report outlines a comprehensive plan of 36 missions, which includes both satellites and their launchers. As part of this, ISRO plans to launch 10 Earth Observation (EO) satellites. Among the upcoming EO satellites are RISAT-2BR2, RISAT-1A, Oceansat-3, GISAT-1, and Resourcesat-3/3S.
In the year 2020-21, ISRO is targeting the launches of Chandrayan-3 and Gaganyan. The organisation has also unveiled plans to launch a new series of high-resolution HRSATs, using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) launcher.
Furthermore, the report contains projections that ISRO will develop its own space station within a decade.
RISAT-2BR2 Mission
The RISAT-2BR2 satellite will form a triad with RISAT-2B and RISAT-2B1, covering around 120 degrees apart. This configuration will enhance the frequency of observation in necessary areas, while providing all-weather, day/night imaging services from space. As with all RISAT satellites, RISAT-2BR2 carries a synthetic aperture radar to relay all-weather, 24-hour information to security agencies.
GISAT-1 Mission
The GISAT-1 (Geo Imaging Satellite) will be placed in a geostationary orbit of around 36,000 km. To date, all Indian EO satellites have been situated in 600-odd-km orbits, moving from the North Pole to the South Pole. Once in position, GISAT-1 will remain in a fixed spot above the Indian continent, providing constant monitoring capabilities.
GISAT-1 will be equipped with high-resolution cameras able to monitor changes in borders and the country’s overall geographical condition, among other tasks. This ability to constantly observe the country is a first for the Indian space program, offering significant benefits and breakthroughs.
