ISRO set to launch earth observation satellite using PSLV rocket on Sunday, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• ISRO will launch PSLV-C61/EOS-09 at 5:59 a.m. on Sunday from Sriharikota.
  • EOS-09 is an Earth Observation Satellite aimed at boosting surveillance under all-weather conditions.
  • The launch marks ISRO’s 101st PSLV mission.

Detailed Insights:

Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-09):

• Equipped with C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
  • Enables high-resolution imaging of Earth irrespective of weather or day-night cycle.
  • Useful for border surveillance, disaster response, and agricultural monitoring.

Technical and Strategic Value:

• Enhances India’s strategic space-based monitoring capabilities.
  • Complements previous launches like RISAT (Radar Imaging Satellite).

Chandrayaan-5 and LUPEX Collaboration:

• Chandrayaan-5 / LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration) is a joint India-Japan mission.
  • Purpose: Study lunar volatiles, especially water in Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSR) near lunar south pole.
  • Carried out by:
    • ISRO (lander)
      • JAXA (H3-24L launch vehicle, rover)
      • Contributions from NASA and ESA (instruments)
    • Timeline: Advanced stage of technical interface meetings (TIM-3 recently concluded in Bengaluru).
  • Builds upon previous missions: Chandrayaan-1 (orbiter), Chandrayaan-2 (orbiter + failed lander), Chandrayaan-3 (successful lander).

Scientific/Technical Concepts:

• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Radar imaging that mimics a large antenna via signal processing; works in all-weather conditions.
  • Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs): Craters on the Moon never exposed to sunlight — ideal for water ice study.
  • PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle known for low-Earth orbit missions.

Significance:

• Strengthens India’s remote sensing and strategic reconnaissance.
  • Deepens Indo-Japanese space cooperation through LUPEX.
  • Contributes to future Artemis-aligned international lunar exploration.
  • Positions India as a critical player in exploration of lunar resources.

Mains Mock Question:

Discuss the significance of ISRO’s Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-09) and India’s collaboration with Japan on the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission in advancing India’s strategic and scientific space goals.