ISRO EOS-09 Mission Objectives and Launch Schedule
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
Earth Observation Satellites (EOS) placed in Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits are critical for remote sensing applications, agriculture, natural resource management, and disaster mitigation. Tracking ISRO's launch capabilities (like the PSLV) directly maps to the UPSC syllabus on indigenous technology and space achievements.
Summary
Ahead of the scheduled launch of the PSLV-C61 carrying the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan visited the Tirumala temple to seek blessings. Set for May 18, 2025, from Sriharikota, the mission is a major milestone, marking ISRO's 101st mission and the 63rd flight of the PSLV. The EOS-09 satellite will be placed into a Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO) to significantly boost India's all-weather earth observation capabilities.
Key Points
- ISRO is scheduled to launch the PSLV-C61 mission carrying the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09 on May 18, 2025.
- The launch will take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
- The satellite will be deployed into a Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO) to enhance India's all-weather earth observation capabilities.
- The mission represents significant milestones: the 63rd flight of the PSLV, the 27th flight in the PSLV-XL configuration, and ISRO's 101st mission overall.
- ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan visited the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala with a miniature model of the launch vehicle to seek blessings ahead of the launch.
Important Terms
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)
India's premier space agency under the Department of Space, responsible for space exploration, satellite development, and launch vehicle technology to achieve national self-reliance in space technology.
UPSC context
GS Paper III - Science and Tech; tests knowledge of institutional roles in national development and technological sovereignty.
PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)
A four-stage, versatile launch vehicle often called ISRO's 'Workhorse,' designed to deliver payloads into Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSPO) and various other orbits.
UPSC context
GS Paper III - Science and Tech; core topic for launch vehicle configurations, stage types, and mission history.
Earth Observation Satellite (EOS)
Satellites equipped with remote sensing tools to gather data on Earth's physical, chemical, and biological systems for agriculture, disaster management, and national security.
UPSC context
GS Paper III - Science and Tech; important for questions on resource mapping, surveillance, and disaster mitigation.
Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO)
A near-polar orbit where the satellite passes over any given location at the same local solar time, ensuring constant illumination for consistent remote sensing imaging.
UPSC context
GS Paper III - Science and Tech; a frequent Prelims concept regarding orbital mechanics and remote sensing utility.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
A radar technology providing high-resolution imaging of the Earth's surface regardless of weather or light conditions, essential for all-weather surveillance.
UPSC context
GS Paper III - Science and Tech; tests understanding of advanced imaging techniques for strategic and civilian applications.
PSLV-C61 Mission
The 101st mission of ISRO (scheduled May 18, 2025) using the 63rd flight of PSLV to deploy the EOS-09 (RISAT-1B) satellite.
UPSC context
Current Affairs - Space Technology; specific mission-based questions on milestones, payload characteristics, and outcomes.
Prelims Trap
EOS-09 is placed in a Geosynchronous orbit to maintain constant regional monitoring of India.
High-resolution Earth Observation Satellites (EOS) are placed in Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (LEO, ~500-800km). Geostationary orbits (36,000km) are primarily for telecommunications and broad meteorological observation (like INSAT).
Static Concepts Connected
What is the stage-wise propellant configuration of the PSLV?
- Stages 1 & 3: They utilize solid propellant, specifically HTPB (Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene), to provide the initial massive thrust required at liftoff and in the third stage.
- Stages 2 & 4: They rely on liquid propellants (like UDMH and N2O4 in Stage 2) allowing for controlled, throttleable thrust to precisely inject the payload into orbit.
- Strap-on Boosters: The PSLV-XL configuration employs six extended solid strap-on boosters around the first stage to achieve its highest payload lifting capacity.
What defines a Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO)?
- Constant Local Time: The satellite passes over any given region of the Earth's surface at the exact same local solar time during each orbit.
- Consistent Illumination: This ensures identical lighting and shadow conditions, which is essential for accurate comparative Earth observation, spy imagery, and weather tracking over time.
- Low Altitude: SSPOs are a type of Low Earth Orbit (LEO), typically positioned at an altitude ranging between 500 km and 1,000 km.
Cross-Topic Patterns
EOS data + Disaster Management (NDMA)
All-weather synthetic aperture radar (SAR) on EOS satellites is critical for mapping floods during monsoons (NDMA integration), directly linking ISRO's Space Tech payload advancements to GS3 Disaster Management capabilities.
Space Tech + Agricultural Crop Forecasting
Data from Sun-Synchronous satellites like EOS is heavily utilized by the Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC) to assess crop health, acreage, and drought conditions.
Expect a multi-statement Prelims question matching ISRO satellite series (EOS, GSAT, NavIC) with their respective orbits (SSPO, GEO).
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2018PrelimsGS1
With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: 1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. 3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 2019PrelimsGS1
For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? 1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location 2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location 3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 2016MainsGS3
Discuss India's achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?
