Overview of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made significant strides in Science & Technology with its recent successful launch of the earth observation satellite EOS-04 and two small satellites, INSPIREsat-1 and INS-2TD. This triumph was delivered by the PSLV-C52 rocket, marking its 54th flight and the 23rd of its most powerful XL-version that has six strap-on boosters.
Understanding Earth Observation Satellites
Earth observation satellites are tools equipped with remote sensing technology to collect data about the Earth’s physical, chemical, and biological systems. They have been predominantly deployed on sun-synchronous orbit. Previous earth observation satellites launched by ISRO include RESOURCESAT-2, 2A, CARTOSAT-1, 2, 2A, 2B, RISAT-1 and 2, OCEANSAT-2, Megha-Tropiques, SARAL and SCATSAT-1, INSAT-3DR, 3D, among others.
Details of the Three Launched Satellites
EOS-04, weighing 1,710 kg with an intended life span of ten years, is designed to provide high-quality images under varying weather conditions. Its applications include monitoring agriculture, forestry, plantations, soil moisture and hydrology, and flood mapping. It supplements data obtained from Resourcesat, Cartosat and RISAT-2B series satellites. EOS-01, the first in this series, is currently in orbit after its November 2020 launch. The micro-satellite EOS-02, intended to be launched using the SSLV, and EOS-03 are yet to be successfully deployed.
Benefits and Applications of EOS-04
EOS-04, which replaces the non-operational RISAT-1, can generate high-quality images irrespective of weather, cloud or fog, or the lack of sunlight. Its radar-imaging ability makes it ideal for surveillance applications.
Significance of INSPIREsat-1
As part of the International Space Program in Research and Education (INSPIRE), INSPIREsat-1 is designed to enhance our understanding of ionosphere dynamics and the sun’s coronal heating processes. The Small-spacecraft Systems and Payload Centre (SSPACE) at IIST, University of Colorado (US), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, and National Central University (NCU), Taiwan collaboratively planned this constellation of satellites.
Understanding INS-2TD
INS-2TD serves as a technology demonstrator for the upcoming India-Bhutan joint satellite, BhutanSat or INS-2B, slated for launch in March, 2022. Its thermal imaging cameras will be used for observing the Earth’s land and water surface temperature and identifying forest and tree cover.
India’s Satellite Count in Space
Currently, India has 53 operational satellites in space, out of which 21 are earth observation ones and an equal number are communication-based. Eight are navigation satellites, while the remaining three are science satellites. This count demonstrates India’s growing capabilities and achievements in space exploration and technology.
