Bengaluru: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch its 101st satellite, Earth Observation Satellite (EOS)-09, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61) from Sriharikota on May 18. Scheduled for lift-off around 6 am, the satellite weighs approximately 1,700 kg and is designed for round-the-clock Earth observation.
EOS-09, described by ISRO officials as one of the heavier payloads handled by the agency, is built to deliver high-resolution images under all weather conditions. According to ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, the satellite has been integrated onto the launch vehicle and moved to the mobile service tower for final preparations.
Unlike previous Earth observation missions with broader applications, EOS-09 is specifically tailored for Indian requirements. It will aid in monitoring infrastructure, land use, and defence activities with enhanced precision.
Upgraded Synthetic Aperture Radar
The satellite carries an upgraded C-band synthetic aperture radar, which allows it to capture clearer images even through cloud cover or during night-time operations. This makes it suitable for continuous monitoring across varied terrain and weather conditions.
A senior ISRO official noted that EOS-09 is part of an evolving constellation of satellites intended to support sectors like national security, disaster management, and infrastructure planning. This radar imaging capability builds on earlier satellites, such as Risat-1A and Risat-1B, launched in 2022 and 2025 respectively.
Surveillance Support for Defence
The new satellite is expected to supplement ongoing surveillance initiatives. Officials confirmed that similar satellites were employed during Operation Sindoor to ensure uninterrupted surveillance across India’s borders. EOS-09 continues this trend by offering strategic real-time data for defence and security establishments.
Significance Beyond the Launch
While the technical complexity of the mission is notable, ISRO has positioned this launch within a larger framework of national capability-building. The satellite’s utility spans beyond the defence sector, extending into agriculture, urban planning, and disaster response. By focusing on indigenous applications, ISRO continues to develop assets that serve both civilian and strategic interests.
The PSLV-C61 mission underlines India’s growing emphasis on space-based monitoring systems in low Earth orbit and demonstrates ISRO’s sustained commitment to expanding its Earth observation infrastructure.
