Indian Remote Sensing Satellite

Remote Sensing is the acquiring information about objects without coming in physical contact of the object.
Usage – Remote sensing is used in numerous fields, including geography and most Earth Science disciplines (for example, hydrology, ecology, oceanography, glaciology, geology). Remote sensing is used to detect and classify objects in the surface, atmosphere or the ocean by means of electromagnetic radiation.
History – In 1979 and 1981, India witnessed successful demonstration flights of Bhaskhar and Bhaskara-2 respectively. Following these successes India began to develop an indigenous remote sensing satellite system, objective of which was to support the national economy. To realize this aim, India established the National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) for which the Department of Space (DOS) is the nodal agency, providing operational remote sensing data services.
Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System is the largest constellation of remote sensing satellites in the world. The data from these satellites are nationally and globally. The camera on IRS spacecraft takes the pictures of earth and in future, ISRO intends to upgrade the camera quality on IRS spacecraft which will have the ability to take images day and night.
Uses of Remote Satellite System –
1. Images taken from satellite enable us to see much more than we can standing on the ground.
2. Used to track temperature changes on the surface of the ocean
3. Helpful in predicting weather and help in detecting sand storms, cyclones et cetera
4. Tracking change in forest area or change in urban areas.
5. Geology and Mineral Exploration
6. Oceanography
7. Hazard assessment
8. Agriculture and forestry
9. Environmental Monitoring
10. Carbon Emissions
Past Satellites –
• Aryabhata, 1975
• Bhaskara I, 1979
• Bhaskara II, 1981
• Rohini Series, 1980-83
• SROSS Series, 1985-92
• IRS-1A, 1988
• IRS-P1, 1993
Currently working satellites –
• IRS-1B, 1991
• IRS-P2, 1994
• IRS-1C, 1995
• IRS-P3, 1996
• IRS-1D, 1997
• IRS-P4, 1999 (Oceansat)
• IRS-P6, 2003 (Resourcesat-1)
• IRS-P5, 2005 (Cartosat-1)
• IRS-P7, 2007 (Cartosat-2)
• IRS-P6, 2011 (Resourcesat-2)
• RISAT-1, 2012
• SARAL, 2013
The data from these satellites is received, archived processed and disseminated by the National Remote Sensing Centre at Hyderabad (NSRC).
Future IRS launches –
1. RESOURCESAT-3
2. CARTOSAT-3
3. OCEANSAT-3