ISRO(Indian Space Research Organisation) successfully launched its Earth Observation Satellite EOS-01, yesterday. There were other nine international customer satellites, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota. Customer satellites are four each from United States and Luxembourg, while the other one is a technology demonstrator from Lithuania. PSLV(Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket acted as the launching pad in the mission.
EOS-01: Beginning of a new Nomenclature :
EOS-01 is a Radar Imaging Satellite popularly known as RISAT. It will work in sync with RISAT-2B and RISAT-2BR1, launched last year. Although, initially EOS-01 was named RISAT-2BR2 and therefore, the third spacecraft after the two in line. But with the introduction of EOS-01, ISRO has diverged itself towards a new naming pattern. Seems, all the earth observation satellites would be named in the EOS series, from today onwards. Till now, theme names were popular – the purpose they served.
EOS-01: Functions
The Earth observation satellite aims at providing 24*7 all-weather service for high-resolution images. Other functions include land and forest mapping and monitoring, resource mapping of water or minerals, assessment of soil, geospatial contour mapping, and climate observations.
Just like its RISAT companions, EOS-01 too uses synthetic aperture radars to generate high-resolution images. These satellites use X-band radars function at low wavelengths. They are also the best for keeping an eye on urban landscape and imaging of forest or agricultural land. Scientists have planned to use EOS-01 in agriculture, forestry and disaster management support. It has further proved to be useful for military needs.
PSLV Rocket :
PSLV rocket is a new variant tried by ISRO this time. Previously, it has been used once in January, last year for placing Microsat-R satellite in orbit. One big advantage of this variant is, after placing its satellite in orbit, it does not become a waste. When satellite separates, the last stage of the rocket has the ability to acquire its own orbit. It can also act as an orbital platform for various onboard instruments for space experimentation.This was the 51st flight for PSLV.
Pandemic halts ISRO’S launch schedule:
Coronavirus obstructed ISRO’s launch schedule which was planned for earlier. In 2020-21, ISRO scientists planned to launch more than 20 satellites. Further including high profile missions such as, Aditya L1 and unmanned Gaganyaan. Half of the decided launches belonged to the EOS series. Prime Minister also congratulated ISRO for the successful mission in tough times of COVID-19.
