Isro is set to return to the launch pad for the first time since the PSLV-C62 failure on Jan 12, after receiving govt clearance to launch two strategically important satellites that had been sitting at the Sriharikota spaceport for several weeks.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Isro is set to return to the launch pad for the first time since the PSLV-C62 failure on Jan 12, after receiving govt clearance to launch two strategically important satellites that had been sitting at the Sriharikota spaceport for several weeks.
As of Thursday (Aug 27), multiple sources confirmed to TOI that Isro was gearing up to launch Gisat-1A, also designated EOS-05, in the early hours of Sept 4.
TOI had highlighted on Aug 3 that Gisat-1A and navigation satellite NVS-03 were ready for launch but were awaiting govt approval. Gisat-1A is designed to provide near real-time images of large “areas of region of interest” at frequent intervals, similar to the original Gisat-1 mission.
“This is more than a replacement satellite. It has several improvements over Gisat-1,” a senior scientist said. While primarily a civilian satellite, its ability to provide frequent observation could also aid the country’s armed forces in planning operations.
The 2.2-tonne class satellite is expected to strengthen India’s Earth observation capabilities by providing observation of the subcontinent under cloud-free conditions.
It will provide spectral signatures useful for agriculture, forestry, mineralogy, disaster warning, cloud properties, snow, glaciers and oceanography.
Gisat-1A is expected to restore India’s capability for frequent geostationary observation of the subcontinent. NVS-03, the other satellite that had been awaiting clearance, is also expected to be launched after Isro resumes its launch campaign.
