ISRO to Launch EOS-09, Boosts Lunar Ties

ISRO to Launch EOS-09, Boosts Lunar Ties

Why in the News ?

ISRO is preparing to launch the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 earth observation satellite on May 19. Concurrently, ISRO and JAXA held a technical meeting in Bengaluru to advance the Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX mission aimed at exploring the lunar south pole.

ISRO to Launch EOS-09, Boosts Lunar Ties

About PSLV-C61 and EOS-09 Launch :

  • ISRO’s 101st launch involves the PSLV-C61 rocket carrying EOS-09, an earth observation satellite.
  • Launch scheduled for 5:59 a.m. on May 19 from Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
  • EOS-09 uses C-band synthetic aperture radar, offering high-resolution imaging of Earth’s surface.

  • Designed for all-weather, day-night surveillance, enhancing India’s strategic observation capabilities.

Indo-Japan Collaboration on Chandrayaan-5:

  • ISRO and JAXA held the 3rd Technical Interface Meeting (TIM-3) on May 13–14 in Bengaluru.
  • Discussed the Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX mission, focusing on the exploration of lunar volatiles, especially water near the south pole.
  • JAXA will launch the mission using its H3-24L

  • The ISRO-developed lunar lander will carry a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)-built rover.

Global Scientific Collaboration and Significance

  • ISRO, JAXA, ESA, and NASA will contribute scientific instruments.
  • Instruments will aid in in-situ analysis of volatiles in the Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) of the Moon.
  • Builds on legacy of Chandrayaan missions 1–4.
  • Marks India’s deepening role in international space cooperation and planetary science.

EOS-09 (RISAT-1B): Key Highlights

●     Purpose: Enhances India’s all-weather, day-night surveillance capabilities for border and coastal security.

●     Launch: Scheduled for May 18 via PSLV-C61 from Sriharikota.

●     Radar Advantage: Equipped with C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), capturing images through clouds, fog, and darkness.

●     Superiority: Unlike optical satellites, it ensures uninterrupted monitoring during monsoons or nighttime.

●     Target Areas: Critical for India’s borders with Pakistan and China and the coastline.

●     Dual Use: Aids agriculture, disaster response, forestry, and geological studies.

●     Satellite Series: Follows RISAT-1, complements RISAT-2B, Cartosat, and Resourcesat.

●     Past Role: RISAT aided in 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot airstrike.