In a significant milestone for India’s space ambitions, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09 aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota early Sunday morning.
The PSLV-C61 lifted off at 5:59 a.m., marking ISRO’s 101st satellite mission and the 63rd flight of the PSLV launch vehicle. This mission also marked the 27th use of the PSLV-XL configuration, a more powerful variant of the rocket known for its extended payload capacity.
EOS-09, also referred to as RISAT-1B, is designed to capture high-resolution, all-weather imagery of the Earth’s surface. Weighing approximately 1,696.24 kg, the satellite is a critical addition to India’s Earth Observation constellation and is set to enhance real-time monitoring capabilities across a wide range of sectors including agriculture, forestry, urban planning, disaster response, and national security.
A Mission with Strategic Significance
“This 101st mission with PSLV-C61 will mark a major milestone for ISRO, showcasing India’s all-weather earth observation capabilities and reinforcing the country’s commitment to space-based solutions,” ISRO Chairman V Narayanan told reporters. He had earlier offered prayers at the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, placing a miniature model of the PSLV-C61 at the deity’s feet to seek blessings for the mission’s success.
Former ISRO scientist Manish Purohit emphasized the strategic timing and value of the EOS-09 launch. “It strengthens monitoring at borders and coasts, particularly concerning sensitive areas. The satellite can detect ingress or suspicious movement, deemed vital in anti-terror operations, especially after the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor,” he noted.
Technological Advancement and Continuity
EOS-09 is a follow-on mission to the earlier RISAT-1 satellite and a repeat version of EOS-04, launched in 2022. It complements and supplements data from ISRO’s Resourcesat, Cartosat, and RISAT-2B series, enabling enhanced frequency and resolution of Earth observation.
The satellite has been designed to ensure that remote sensing data is readily available to the user community, particularly those engaged in operational applications across government and strategic sectors.
With this successful launch, ISRO has not only added another feather to its cap but has also reaffirmed India’s commitment to leveraging space technology for national development and security.
Sources By Agencies
