Future Indian Earth Observation Systems

Paper number

IAC-07-B1.2.03

Author

Dr. Ranganath R. Navalgund, Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, India

Coauthor

Dr. V. Jayaraman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India

Coauthor

Mr. Kiran Kumar Seelin, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India

Coauthor

Dr. V.K. Dadhwal, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, India

Year

2007

Abstract

From Bhaskara-1 in 1979 to Cartosat-2 in 2007, India’s Earth Observation capability has increased manifold. Improvements are not only in spatial, spectral, temporal and radiometric resolutions but also in their coverage and value added products. It has also entered into the arena of passive and active microwave remote sensing, stereo viewing and viewing from the geo-synchronous platform at moderately high resolution. Observations specific to oceans and atmosphere are getting further emphasis. Understanding and appreciation of the utility of EO data for earth system science and applications has increased.  Demand for a constellation of satellites for monitoring disaster situations is strongly made.

In this context, India has made extensive plans for continuity and enhancement in the EO capability, not only towards its own national needs, but also to be a contributing participant of Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). The major emphasis of the future plan has been to consolidate the theme-specific satellites, in order to fill the gaps in observation including those for disaster monitoring and mitigation, and also to develop a synergy with international missions for complementing and supplementing Indian missions.

The future Indian EO systems include those for land applications - Resourcesat with wide swath LISS III, high resolution Cartosat (~0.3 m), Imaging Radar (RISAT: C-band, multipolarization) and high-resolution imager on geostationary platform. It also proposes to develop space based hyperspectral sensor, atmospheric corrector, and aerial sensors operating in microwave region. The future ocean application sensors include improved Ocean Colour Monitor, Ku band scatterometer and a thermal IR sensor. It also proposes to launch Altika-Argos with altimeter and a Data Collection Platform.  The two major satellites dedicated for atmospheric observations are INSAT 3D with 6-channel imager and 19-channel sounder, and the ISRO-CNES joint venture Megha-Tropiques with three sensors viz., MADRAS, Saphire and Scarab. Pre-investment activities towards development of L-band polarimetric radiometer, hyperspectral sounder, rain Radar and millimeter wave sounder are also planned. The proposed wide swath LISS III, Geo-HR-Imager and DMSAR C/X (1, 2) along with other polar orbiting satellites will form the core of the constellation of satellites for disaster monitoring and mitigation. In order to realize the above missions and derive maximum benefit from them, augmentation of ground segment is envisaged. Comprehensive programme, comprising development of retrieval algorithm, calibration-validation exercises, and data utilization is also planned. 

Abstract document

IAC-07-B1.2.03.pdf

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