Latest news with #RISAT-2
India Today
17-05-2025
- Science
- India Today
Eyes in the sky: How Isro's EOS-09 will see through storms, smoke and silence
It was the horror of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that jolted India into action, pushing the country's space agency to fast-track the launch of a satellite built not just for the skies—but for national security. In less than a year, RISAT-2 was launched, drawing heavily from Israel's TecSAR-1 and signalling the dawn of India's homegrown Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT) satellites come in two flavours: X-band and C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems. While X-band SAR—used in RISAT-2 and its successors—offers razor-sharp, high-resolution imaging for military surveillance and target detection, the C-band variant—pioneered by RISAT-1—is tailored for broader Earth observation, cutting through clouds and darkness to monitor terrain, vegetation, and water nearly two decades later, that legacy evolves into its next chapter with EOS-09 (RISAT-1B), scheduled for launch on May 18, 2025, coincidently days after a major escalation between Indian and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror this incredible timelapse of PSLV-C61 / EOS-09 as it rolls from the Payload Integration Facility (PIF) to the Mobile Service Tower (MST) at SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota — a crucial step in #ISRO's 101st launch frame captures the precision, teamwork & engineering Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) May 16, 2025advertisementRebranded under the Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) umbrella, the new satellite represents ISRO's latest leap in all-weather, day-and-night imaging with upgraded C-band SAR, EOS-09 is designed for real-time applications like flood mapping, cyclone tracking, landslide detection, and coastal carries forward the configuration while packing enhanced radar tech and imaging versatility. With five imaging modes—including High-Resolution Spotlight and Medium Resolution ScanSAR—it offers everything from ultra-detailed surveillance (up to 1-meter resolution) to wide-area environmental monitoring. What sets EOS-09 apart is its all-weather, day-and-night imaging capability. (Photo: Isro) WHY EOS-09 IS DIFFERENTWhen clouds gather, storms rage, or night falls, most satellites go blind. Not this satellite equipped with C-band SAR.C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar sees through what optical satellites cannot—clouds, rain, fog, and dust—delivering uninterrupted, all-weather, day-and-night a country like India, where natural disasters and security threats collide across a vast and varied landscape, that's not just useful—it's resolutions reaching up to 1 meter, C-band SAR can detect subtle ground changes, such as vehicle movements or soil disturbances, often critical indicators of military operations or terror activity. The satellite is scheduled for launch on May 18, 2025. (Photo: Isro) Its ability to scan wide swath widths—ranging from 10 to 225 km—makes it uniquely suited for both large-scale disaster mapping (think floods, cyclones, landslides) and fine-grained EOS-09's SAR system isn't just powerful—it's smart. It's expected to support co- and cross-polarisation, and possibly hybrid polarimetry, enabling it to classify terrain, vegetation, and even man-made structures like tents or hidden dual-use capability strengthens national security while aiding agriculture, forestry, hydrology, and urban sea, the C-band SAR becomes a silent guardian—monitoring illegal maritime activity, tracking oil spills, or pinpointing vessels along India's 7,500 km disaster strikes, its radar slices through storm clouds to deliver real-time damage assessments, guiding emergency response and resource deployment long before the skies clear. EYE ON THE PRIZEThe launch of EOS-09 comes on the heels of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, underscoring the growing urgency to enhance surveillance across India's most sensitive 15,000 km of land borders—ranging from the volatile Line of Control with Pakistan to the rugged terrain along China and the increasingly porous stretches near Bangladesh—and a 7,500 km coastline, India's geographic sprawl presents complex and constant security sets EOS-09 apart is its all-weather, day-and-night imaging capability, making it a reliable sentinel in situations where traditional optical satellites falter. Whether tracking suspicious movement along the LOC or monitoring cyclones brewing in the Bay of Bengal, it delivers uninterrupted intelligence, when it's needed most. EOS-09 is a critical step forward, but it also signals the need for a larger, more coordinated satellite constellation—one capable of watching over every ridge, river, and coastline with unwavering smart, adaptable radar system transforms EOS-09 into a true all-weather eye in the sky, ready to respond to India's diverse surveillance and disaster response the crucible of Operation Sindoor, India demonstrated that speed, strategy, and technology can decisively alter the outcome of high-stakes targeting and swift neutralisation of threats weren't just about boots on the ground—they were powered by eyes in the like EOS-09 embody this fusion of vigilance and innovation, enabling round-the-clock surveillance that sees through darkness, cloud, and India confronts evolving security challenges, it's this seamless blend of real-time intelligence and rapid response that continues to fortify the nation's defences with unmatched technological edge.
India.com
13-05-2025
- Science
- India.com
RISAT-1B Satellite: India's answer to Pahalgam's tragedy
India's space prowess is set to soar with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launching RISAT-1B, also called EOS-09, on May 18, 2025, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This radar imaging satellite, the seventh in the RISAT series, comes days after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, making its role in national security vital. Launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61) XL at 6:59 am IST, the 1,710 kg RISAT-1B will orbit at 529 km in a sun-synchronous path, equipped with C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for all-weather surveillance. As India strengthens its borders post-Pahalgam, this satellite promises to be a game-changer. Let's explore the RISAT series' evolution and how RISAT-1B fits into this legacy. The RISAT Series: A Shield in the Sky The RISAT (Radar Imaging Satellite) series began as a response to India's security needs, particularly after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Designed for dual civilian and military use, these satellites use SAR to capture high-resolution images, unaffected by weather or time of day. The series includes RISAT-2, RISAT-1, RISAT-1A, RISAT-2B, RISAT-2BR1, and RISAT-2BR2, each advancing India's ability to monitor borders and counter threats. RISAT-1B's launch marks another milestone in this journey. Evolution of the RISAT Series Each RISAT satellite has brought technological leaps, enhancing India's surveillance capabilities. Here's a look at their development: – RISAT-2 (2009): Launched in April 2009, RISAT-2 was India's first dedicated radar imaging satellite, developed with Israel's assistance. Weighing 300 kg, it used an X-band SAR with a resolution of about 1 meter. Deployed post-Mumbai attacks, it focused on border surveillance, helping security forces track infiltration. Its compact design and agility made it a vital asset for early counter-terrorism efforts. – RISAT-1 (2012): Launched in April 2012, RISAT-1 was India's first indigenously developed SAR satellite. Operating in C-band, it offered resolutions from 1 to 50 meters, suitable for both civilian (agriculture, disaster management) and military purposes. At 1,858 kg, it was heavier, orbiting at 536 km. Its versatility allowed monitoring of terrorist hideouts and border activities, laying the foundation for future RISATs. – RISAT-1A (2022) : Also known as EOS-04, RISAT-1A was launched in February 2022. A follow-on to RISAT-1, it used C-band SAR with improved imaging capabilities. Weighing 1,852 kg, it orbited at 529 km, enhancing border surveillance and disaster monitoring. Its advanced data processing supported real-time intelligence, crucial for operations like the 2016 surgical strikes. – RISAT-2B (2019): Launched in May 2019, RISAT-2B marked a shift to the RISAT-2 series' upgrades. Using X-band SAR, it achieved a finer resolution of about 0.5 meters. Weighing 615 kg, it orbited at 557 km, focusing on military surveillance. Its enhanced imaging helped identify small objects, aiding counter-terrorism missions. – RISAT-2BR1 (2019): Launched in December 2019, RISAT-2BR1 pushed boundaries with a resolution of 0.35 meters, among the finest in the series. Its 628 kg frame carried an advanced X-band SAR, orbiting at 576 km. This satellite played a key role in tracking cross-border threats, offering crystal-clear images for security operations – RISAT-2BR2 (Proposed/Assumed): While limited details are available, RISAT-2BR2 is part of the series' ongoing enhancements. Likely similar to RISAT-2BR1, it uses X-band SAR with high-resolution imaging, further strengthening India's surveillance network. RISAT-1B: A Timely Addition RISAT-1B, with its C-band SAR, builds on RISAT-1 and RISAT-1A's legacy. Its 1,710 kg frame and 529 km orbit ensure comprehensive coverage of India's landmass. Key features include: – All-Weather Imaging: Unaffected by clouds or darkness, it ensures constant monitoring. – High-Resolution Surveillance: Capable of detecting small objects, critical for identifying terrorist movements. – Dual-Use Capability: Supports civilian tasks like agriculture and disaster management alongside military operations. Post-Pahalgam, RISAT-1B's launch aligns with Operation Sindoor, enhancing India's ability to monitor terrorist activities. Its data will support swift responses, preventing infiltration and ensuring national safety. The Road Ahead: NISAR and Beyond ISRO isn't stopping here. In June 2025, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite will launch aboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F16). This joint India-US project will use dual L-band and S-band SAR for global monitoring, with applications in climate, agriculture, and security. NISAR's advanced imaging will complement the RISAT series, creating a robust surveillance network. Why RISAT-1B Matters The Pahalgam attack underscored the need for vigilant border monitoring. RISAT-1B, with its cutting-edge technology, strengthens India's skyward defence. The RISAT series has evolved from RISAT-2's basic imaging to RISAT-2BR1's pinpoint accuracy, and RISAT-1B continues this trend. Its ability to provide real-time, weather-proof intelligence will deter cross-border threats, building on successes like the 2016 surgical strikes. As India prepares for NISAR, the RISAT series remains a cornerstone of its security strategy, ensuring the nation stays one step ahead of its adversaries. In a world of evolving threats, RISAT-1B is more than a satellite—it's a symbol of India's resolve to protect its borders, inspired by tragedies like Pahalgam. With ISRO's relentless innovation, the skies are not just a frontier but a shield for the nation. ( Girish Linganna is an award-winning science writer and Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@ )
