EOS-09 Earth Observation Satellite
India is poised to strengthen its surveillance and Earth observation capabilities with the upcoming launch of the EOS-09 satellite, also known as RISAT-1B. Scheduled for liftoff on May 18, 2025, from Sriharikota using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), this launch marks another milestone in India’s expanding space program. The presence of Members of Parliament at the launch highlights the increasing role of space technology in national governance and policy-making.
EOS-09 is a sophisticated Earth observation satellite with a launch weight of approximately 1,710 kilograms. It is equipped with a powerful C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), which provides high-resolution imaging under all weather conditions. Unlike optical imaging systems, the SAR can capture data through clouds, rain, and even at night, making EOS-09 an ideal tool for 24/7 monitoring and surveillance.
The satellite will be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring that it captures images of the same area under consistent lighting conditions. This consistency is especially useful for tracking changes in land use, vegetation, or infrastructure over time.
EOS-09 has a wide range of applications. From a national security perspective, it plays a crucial role in monitoring borders, detecting infiltration, and supporting military operations. Its ability to detect objects as small as one metre makes it particularly valuable for identifying suspicious movements along India’s sensitive borders with Pakistan and China.
In addition to security, EOS-09 will support agriculture by monitoring crop health and seasonal growth patterns. It will also aid forestry departments in conducting detailed forest surveys and tracking deforestation. Another vital role of the satellite lies in disaster management—offering real-time data during emergencies such as floods, landslides, and cyclones, thereby enabling quicker response and recovery.
Technologically, EOS-09 boasts five different operational modes, allowing it to adapt its imaging based on the required level of detail. These modes enable the satellite to perform both narrow high-resolution scans and broad area coverage, increasing its versatility in data gathering.
EOS-09 will complement India’s existing satellite constellation, including Resourcesat, Cartosat, and RISAT-2B. Together, this network will enhance India’s ability to monitor environmental changes, optimize resource management, and strengthen internal security.
The launch of EOS-09 signifies a crucial step in India’s journey toward leveraging space technology for national development. With advanced imaging capabilities and multi-sector applications, EOS-09 will enhance India’s surveillance, agriculture, and disaster response infrastructure. The involvement of lawmakers in the launch event underscores the strategic importance of space-based data in governance and policymaking. As India continues to invest in satellite technology, EOS-09 marks a forward-looking approach to using space for societal benefit, security, and sustainable growth.