WATCH LIVE: PSLV-C61 all set to launch EOS-09 to space, give India imaging edge

India’s latest Earth observation satellite, EOS-09 (also known as RISAT-1B), is all set to launch aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Weighing 1,710 kilograms, EOS-09 will be placed in a sun-synchronous polar orbit, ensuring it can capture images of the same area under consistent lighting conditions-vital for tracking changes over time.

WATCH ISRO PSLV-C61 EOS-09 LAUNCH LIVE HERE

EOS-09’s standout feature is its advanced C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), which enables it to deliver high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface regardless of weather or lighting.

Unlike traditional optical satellites, EOS-09 can see through clouds, rain, and even in complete darkness, allowing for uninterrupted, round-the-clock surveillance and data collection. Its imaging resolution can reportedly reach up to one meter, making it possible to detect small objects and subtle changes in landscapes.

The satellite is equipped with five distinct imaging modes, ranging from ultra-high-resolution “spotlight” scans for detailed observation of small areas to wide-area coverage for broader surveillance.

This versatility allows EOS-09 to adapt its imaging for various needs-whether it’s closely monitoring a border region or assessing the aftermath of a natural disaster.

EOS-09’s applications are wide-ranging and critical:

• Border Surveillance & Security: The satellite will play a pivotal role in monitoring India’s sensitive borders with Pakistan and China, detecting infiltration, tracking suspicious movements, and supporting anti-terror operations.
• Disaster Management: Its rapid, all-weather imaging will provide real-time data during floods, cyclones, and landslides, enabling faster and more effective emergency response.
• Agriculture & Forestry: EOS-09 will monitor crop health, seasonal growth patterns, and forest cover, supporting resource management and environmental protection.
• Urban Planning & Governance: The satellite’s continuous, reliable data will assist in urban development, land use planning, and infrastructure monitoring.

EOS-09 will complement India’s existing fleet of Earth observation satellites, such as Resourcesat, Cartosat, and RISAT-2B, expanding real-time coverage and strengthening India’s ability to manage security, resources, and disasters from space.