ISRO Prepares for Launch of Key Weather Surveillance Satellite EOS-09

ISRO is launching its 101st satellite, EOS-09, on May 18, 2025, utilizing the PSLV-C61 rocket. The satellite will enhance India’s surveillance capabilities, particularly in relation to national security and border monitoring, following former missions including RISAT-1. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan emphasized the mission’s significance for national interest and technological excellence. Additionally, the NISAR satellite is set to be launched, further bolstering Earth’s observation efforts.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its 101st satellite, EOS-09, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61) on May 18, 2025. The launch is scheduled for 5:59 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, paving the way for enhanced observational capabilities in the nation’s defense and environmental monitoring efforts. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan noted the significance of this mission, which is part of India’s broader space exploration ambitions.

The PSLV-C61 rocket has reached the Mobile Service Tower at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, where it is undergoing final integrations and checks in preparation for the upcoming launch. This meticulous process underscores ISRO’s commitment to ensuring that everything is in place for a successful liftoff, an operation that combines numerous technical elements into a cohesive whole.

According to former ISRO scientist Manish Purohit, EOS-09 will function as a follow-on to the earlier RISAT-1 mission, enhancing the nation’s surveillance capabilities. He commented on the strategic timing of the launch by stating, “It strengthens monitoring at borders and coasts, particularly with respect to sensitive areas. The satellite can detect ingress or suspicious movements deemed vital in anti-terror operations, especially after the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.”

Further emphasizing the importance of satellite technology, Chairman Narayanan remarked, “With the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission, ISRO continues to demonstrate its commitment to both technological excellence and the national interest.” This highlights the alignment of ISRO’s projects with national security and governance goals, reinforcing the role of aerospace capabilities in these domains.

IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Kumar Goenka added his thoughts, stressing the need for ongoing advancements in space capabilities in order to meet the evolving needs of the nation. He echoed the sentiment shared by Narayanan, as both leaders recognize the critical nature of these technological developments.

In addition to the EOS-09 mission, ISRO is also preparing for the launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite on the GSLV-F16 mission. This satellite will employ dual-band radar technology, offering critical insight into Earth’s surface changes, ecosystems, and various natural disasters. NISAR represents a collaborative effort between the two space agencies, designed to enhance global scientific understanding of our planet.

The EOS-09 is touted as a cutting-edge Earth observation satellite, equipped with advanced C-band synthetic aperture radar technology. This capability ensures that EOS-09 can capture detailed and high-resolution images of Earth’s surface at any time, regardless of the weather. Such monitoring capabilities are essential for effective management in sectors like agriculture, disaster management, and national security.

In summary, ISRO’s upcoming launch of the EOS-09 satellite highlights its unwavering commitment to enhancing India’s defense and observation capabilities. With a focus on national security and environmental monitoring, the satellite’s advanced technology will play a pivotal role, particularly in sensitive areas like border surveillance. This mission, along with the NISAR initiative, demonstrates the importance of satellite technology in addressing contemporary challenges and supporting science in understanding our planet better.

Original Source: timesofoman.com