ISRO to launch earth observation satellite on Feb 14

The Indian Space & Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that it plans to place an Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-04), on board the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV C-52), into orbit on February 14.

The EOS’ are deployed to perform a wide range of tasks such as surveillance, mapping, ground observation, etc.

This will be the first launch for ISRO under the new chairman, S. Somanath. To be lifted off from the First Launch Pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, the launcher will deploy the 1,710-kilogram satellite into the sun-synchronous polar orbit at an altitude of 529 kilometers above the planet.

EOS-04 is a Radar Imaging Satellite designed to provide high quality images under all weather conditions for applications such as Agriculture, Forestry & Plantations, Soil Moisture & Hydrology and Flood mapping, ISRO said in a statement.

Specifically, the EOS’ are deployed by governments, institutes and organisations in various earth orbits, typically in low-earth orbits. Such satellites can perform a wide range of tasks such as surveillance, mapping, ground observation and analysis, as well as a range of commercial services such as communications.

“PSLV-C52 mission will also carry two small satellites as co-passengers which include one student satellite (INSPIREsat-1) from Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST) in association with Laboratory of Atmospheric & Space Physics at University of Colorado, Boulder and a technology demonstrator satellite (INS-2TD) from ISRO, which is a precursor to India-Bhutan Joint Satellite (INS-2B),” the statement further read.