Unblinking Watch: India Launches Satellite for Round-the-Clock, All-Weather Imaging

India has marked a significant milestone in its space program with the successful launch of the EOS-09 satellite, designed to dramatically enhance the nation’s all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation capabilities. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the 1,710-kilogram satellite aboard the PSLV-C61 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 5:59 am on Sunday. This mission, ISRO’s 101st satellite launch, is seen as a major leap in India’s surveillance, disaster management, and environmental monitoring infrastructure.

 

EOS-09, also known as RISAT-1B, is equipped with advanced C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology. This enables the satellite to capture high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface in all weather conditions, including during night, fog, storms, and cloud cover-scenarios where traditional optical satellites are rendered ineffective. With imaging resolutions reaching up to one meter and the ability to scan wide swath widths, EOS-09 is uniquely suited for both fine-grained reconnaissance and large-scale disaster mapping.

 

The satellite’s capabilities are expected to significantly bolster India’s national security by providing uninterrupted intelligence for border surveillance, maritime monitoring, and detection of suspicious activities. It will also play a vital role in real-time applications such as flood mapping, cyclone tracking, landslide detection, and agricultural monitoring, supporting rapid emergency response and resource deployment.

 

ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan emphasized that at least 10 satellites now operate round-the-clock to ensure the country’s safety, with EOS-09 adding a new dimension to India’s satellite-based vigilance. The launch underscores India’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for national security, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.

 

Source: NDTV, India TV News, Hindustan Times, India Today, Swarajya Mag