ISRO to launch 10 EO satellites to boost surveillance:
As per the annual report of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the space agency is planning to launch 10 earth observation (EO) satellites with space surveillance features during 2020-21.
The space agency aims to boost space surveillance in order to keep an eye on terror launchpads along the borders, check infiltration and keep an eye on China`s naval activities in the Indian Ocean Region.
ISRO upcoming projects:
♦ Of the planned 10 EO satellites, only three communication satellites and 2 navigation satellites have been scheduled to be launched, starting from April 2020 to 2021 (FY 2020-21). The 10 EO satellites include the high-tech Geo Imaging Satellite GISAT-1, highly advanced radar imaging satellites RISAT-2BR2, RISAT-1A, and 2A.
♦ The report stated that ISRO has planned 36 missions, including satellites and launchers, in 2020-21. These missions include the launch of 1 unmanned flight of Gaganyaan in 2020-21, 3 space science satellites, 1 technology demonstrator test, 2 small satellite launch vehicle demonstration tests, 10 Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV), 3 Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)-MkII and one GSLV-MkIII.
Note:
For the FY 2019-20, of the 17 missions, six are yet to be completed and are expected to be launched by 31 March 2020.