NEW DELHI: The head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S Somanath, announced plans on Thursday to launch 50 satellites over the next five years for geo-intelligence gathering. This initiative involves deploying satellites in various orbits to monitor troop movements and capture images of extensive areas.
Somanath explained that spacecraft can effectively observe national borders and neighboring regions, providing a comprehensive understanding of activities. He emphasised the importance of critically assessing this information, stating that a nation's strength lies in its ability to comprehend its surroundings.
The Isro chief revealed that 50 satellites have already been configured for launch in the next five years to enhance India's geo-intelligence capabilities.
The goal is to mitigate threats to the country by deploying a diverse array of satellites, spanning from geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO) to lower earth orbit (LEO) and very low earth orbit. This multi-orbit approach allows for critical assessment of different situations, incorporating optical, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), thermal, and other technologies.
Somanath highlighted the establishment of communication between satellites, enabling collaborative monitoring. For instance, if a satellite in geostationary orbit detects an activity, it can task another satellite in a lower orbit for a more detailed examination. The ISRO chief emphasized the capability to image vast areas, covering entire borders in daily cycles. This ambitious plan aims to significantly enhance India's security by launching these satellites within the next five years.
Aditya-L1 on schedule
Speaking at the annual science and technology festival at IIT Bombay, the Isro chief also informed the audience that the Aditya L1 spacecraft is on schedule and will reach its designated cosmic location, Lagrange Point 1 (L1), on January 6, 2024, as planned.
Somanath also reflected on the success of Chandrayaan-3.
"After contributing for 14 days in data collection, it (lander Vikram and rover Pragyan) is now in a dormant state. I suggest not waking it up again, so it remains dormant forever. Unfortunately, we were hopeful it would awaken through its capability, but that did not happen," he said, adding that the wealth of data beamed back to Earth will surely contribute to "significant scientific outcomes in the future" once analysed.
Following the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the moon's South pole, Isro launched the country's inaugural solar mission, Aditya-L1, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on September 2.
Isro to launch 50 satellites in 5 years to boost India's intelligence-gathering capabilities; Aditya-L1 set to reach Lagrange Point on January 6: Isro chief S Somnath - Times of India
Science News: Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) plans to launch 50 satellites in the next five years for geo-intelligence gathering. These satellites will b
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