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Earth observation satellites are essential for India's national security

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 9/22/2021 7:55:22 AM

New Delhi, Sep 21 Last month, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-3) failed to inject into Geo Transfer Orbit (GTO), because of the failure of the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle’s (GLSV) cryogenic upper stage. This satellite’s ultimate orbital destination was Geostationary Orbit (GEO). Notwithstanding the failure of the mission given the chequered history of the GSLV’s cryogenic stage performance, the EOS-3 was supposed to fulfil an important earth observation mission. Although ISRO did not release details about the payloads aboard the EOS-3, it would not be surprising if the space agency installed electrooptical capabilities that were intended to service the needs of the Indian armed forces. The satellite was expected to be in service or operational for 10 years. ISRO has successfully launched several Earth Observation Satellites (EOS) in the past using its “workhorse” Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and its variants. Had the EOS-3 been successful, it would have met an important part of the armed services imagery needs. This is a setback not just for ISRO, but the Indian military as well, because they need it given the operational challenges confronting the Indian Army (IA) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) against China. A glance at China’s EO capabilities will give the reader sufficient indication as to why they constitute such an important investment. ISRO has successfully launched several Earth Observation Satellites (EOS) in the past using its “workhorse” Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and its variants. The Indian military needs these EO satellites because the Peoples Republic China (PRC) has several of them. The PRC operates the Gaofen series or constellation of EO satellites. EO satellites are crucial for Imagery Intelligence (IMINT), photo reconnaissance, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and electro optical functions. These EO Gaofen satellites are at least notionally part of China’s High-resolution Earth Observation System (CHEOS). The latter performs several tasks and functions that help with matters such as land surveying, urban planning, disaster relief, design of road networks, and agriculture. Notwithstanding the utility and purpose behind civilian applications of the CHEOS constellation, the Gaofen series are also integrated with payloads, instruments, and platforms, but with decidedly military reconnaissance missions. China launched the Gaofen-13 satellite in October 2020, which operates from the Geostationary Orbit (GEO). Very little is known about this satellite, because the Chinese have revealed close to nothing about its payloads and instruments. The last occasion the PRC launched a satellite, the Gaofen-4, into the same orbit was in 2004. However, China has not divulged details of other satellites either in the same series such as the Gaofen 11. The Gaofen satellites, believed to be electro-optical remote sensing satellites, are important from a military reconnaissance standpoint. To be sure the PRC has suffered some setbacks as part of its remote sensing satellite programme, such as the failed launch of the Jilin or Gaofen–02C optical earth observation satellite in September 2020. This satellite is believed to have had a 0.76- metre resolution with a swath breadth of 40 kilometres. This satellite was intended for placement in Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO) or Low Earth Orbit (LEO). EO satellites are crucial for Imagery Intelligence (IMINT), photo reconnaissance, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and electro optical functions.