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EOS-09 satellite to boost India's border monitoring and defence capabilities, launch scheduled for May 18

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India’s surveillance capabilities are set to receive a major enhancement with the upcoming launch of the PSLV-C61 mission, which will carry the EOS-09 (RISAT-1B) radar imaging satellite. Scheduled for May 18 at 6.59 am IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, this satellite will be placed into a sun-synchronous orbit.

Strengthening Earth Observation

EOS-09 (RISAT-1B) is equipped with a state-of-the-art C-band synthetic aperture radar, which will significantly improve India's Earth observation capabilities. Unlike optical satellites that struggle in bad weather or darkness, RISAT-1B can capture high-resolution images of Earth’s surface under any condition, be it rain, clouds, or night. This makes it a vital tool for monitoring India’s sensitive borders, especially along Pakistan and China, as well as for safeguarding its vast coastlines.

Key Features of RISAT-1B

The satellite features five distinct imaging modes, enabling it to switch between ultra-high-resolution imaging, capable of detecting small objects, and broader scans for large-area observation. This flexibility allows it to serve both military and civilian needs.


The RISAT-1B will also be useful in various civil applications like agriculture, forestry, soil moisture monitoring, geology, coastal surveillance, flood monitoring, and more.

Strategic Asset for National Security

RISAT-1B’s radar technology is particularly crucial for defence purposes. It can track enemy movements, detect infiltrations, and support anti-terrorism operations, providing continuous, reliable intelligence. This is especially important in regions where tensions remain high, such as the borders with Pakistan and China.

The EOS-09 (RISAT-1B) is a follow-up to the RISAT-1 satellite and is similar in configuration. It will complement data from other satellites, such as the Resourcesat, Cartosat, and RISAT-2B Series, helping India build a comprehensive Earth observation network.

The RISAT series, particularly RISAT-2, has already proven its importance in military operations, such as providing critical imagery for the 2016 surgical strike in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the 2019 Balakot air strike.

Inputs from TOI
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