The third generation Indian satellite for monitoring the oceans (Oceansat-3), formally named as Earth Observation Satellite-6 (EOS-6) was launched on November 26 by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from its First Launch Pad (FLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. The launch, designed as PSLV-C54, also accommodated other small satellites along with Oceansat-3.
Key points
- The satellite onboard carries four important payloads viz. Ocean Color Monitor (OCM-3), Sea Surface Temperature Monitor (SSTM), Ku-Band Scatterometer (SCAT-3), ARGOS.
- All these sensors have their own importance for India’s blue economy aspirations.
- The ocean observing mission is a follow up to OceanSat-1 or IRS-P4 and OceanSat-2 launched in 1999 and 2009, respectively.
- The satellite was launched aboard the proven launch vehicle PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) on its 56th flight (24th flight of the PSLV-XL version).
- The OCM-3 with high signal-to-noise ratio is expected to provide improved accuracy in daily monitoring of phytoplankton having wide range of operational and research applications including fishery resource management, ocean carbon uptake, harmful algal bloom alerts, and climate studies.
- The SSTM will provide ocean surface temperature which is a critical ocean parameter to provide various forecasts ranging from fish aggregation to cyclone genesis and movement.
India-Bhutan SAT
- The India-Bhutan SAT, jointly developed by India and Bhutan was also launched into space on November 26 by ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
- The PSLV C54 carried the India-Bhutan SAT, along with India’s Earth Observation Satellite -06 and other satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.
