Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Space Technology
Why in News?
ISRO achieved its first successful launch of 2026 by placing GISAT‑1A (EOS‑05) into orbit aboard GSLV‑F17 from Sriharikota, marking a comeback after the PSLV‑C62 failure in January 2026.
GISAT = Geo Imaging Satellite
- GISAT is an Earth observation satellite.
- It operates from a geosynchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometres.
- It is designed for continuous, wide-area observation of India and adjacent regions.
- It is India's first dedicated imaging satellite operating from geosynchronous orbit.
- Key Features
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites provide high spatial resolution but only periodic coverage.
- In contrast, GISAT-1A enables continuous and repeated observation over a large area.
- Applications
- Disaster Management
- Cyclone detection, tracking, and monitoring.
- Flood detection and real-time monitoring.
- Forest fire and smoke detection, tracking, and monitoring.
- Cloud system observation and analytical assessment.
- Support for emergency response and evacuation planning.
- Agriculture and Environmental Applications
- Crop health and agricultural resource monitoring.
- Assessment of drought progression and severity.
- Snow cover and glacier extent monitoring.
- Monitoring of water bodies and environmental change detection and analysis.
- Strategic and Security Applications
- Wide-area monitoring of regions along the western and northern borders.
- Maritime and coastal surveillance operations.
- Provision of enhanced situational awareness for decision-making.
Reference
TOI | GISAT-1A / EOS-05
