'Eye In The Sky': ISRO To Launch Its Most Advanced Geo-Imaging Satellite GISAT-1 Tomorrow

Nation's apex space research agency, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch its most advanced geo-imaging satellite the Earth observation satellite (EOS) - GISAT-1 at 5.43 am tomorrow (12 August) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, reports Hindustan Times.

The satellite will be launched to space by geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) F10 EOS-03 mission. The countdown for the same has begun. It should be noted that this would be the fourteenth mission of the GSLV.

The geo-imaging satellite GISAT-1, once up in space, is touted to essentially serve as India's "eye in the sky". It will be monitoring locations of interest while appearing motionless in the space.

GISAT-1 will also help India monitor and respond to natural disasters and any other short-term events at a quick pace. It will also obtain special signatures for agriculture, forestry, mineralogy, cloud properties, snow and glaciers, and oceanography. The details were shared by ISRO in an official bulletin detailing the mission description and the targeted transfer orbit.

The launch of this satellite has been postponed at least thrice this year. Initially scheduled to take off on 28th March, a ‘minor issue’ had compelled for its postponement. Later on, restrictions imposed owing to the pandemic in the states where ISRO centres are located delayed the launch in the months of April and May.

Radar imaging Risat-1A satellite that captures pictures during both day and night and even sees through the clouds will follow Gisat-1 as the former is set to be launched in September this year.