ISRO Set to Launch Earth Imaging Satellite: What You Need to Know

Countdown Begins for PSLV-C61 Launch

In Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, the countdown for the launch of an Earth imaging satellite aboard a PSLV rocket has officially begun, according to sources from ISRO. The PSLV-C61 is set to lift off at 5:59 AM on May 18, marking the 101st mission for the Indian space agency based in Bengaluru.

The countdown commenced at 7:59 AM on Saturday, lasting a total of 22 hours. This mission, the 63rd for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), will deploy the Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-09), which is designed to capture high-resolution images of the Earth's surface in various weather conditions.

The satellite's continuous imaging capabilities are crucial for sectors such as agriculture, forestry, disaster management, urban planning, and national security.

Weighing approximately 1,696.24 kg, EOS-09 will enhance the existing network of Earth Observation satellites, fulfilling the demand for real-time coverage across India's extensive landscape.

EOS-09, also known as RISAT-1B, is a successor to the RISAT-1 satellite and shares a similar configuration. It will complement data from other satellites in the Resourcesat, Cartosat, and RISAT-2B Series.

This satellite is a repeat of the EOS-04 launched in 2022, aimed at providing remote sensing data for operational applications and increasing observation frequency.

After a journey of 17 minutes, the PSLV-C61 rocket is expected to place EOS-09 into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO). Following the satellite's separation, scientists will utilize the Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) to adjust its orbit altitude.

ISRO has indicated that the mission life of EOS-09 is projected to be five years. Additionally, adequate fuel has been allocated for de-orbiting the satellite post-mission, ensuring it descends to an orbit that will allow it to decay within two years, contributing to a debris-free environment.