PNS|SRIHARIKOTA
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has initiated a 22-hour countdown for the launch of its PSLV-C61 mission, which will carry the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09. The lift-off is scheduled for 5:59 a.m. on 18 May from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
This mission marks the 63rd flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the 101st overall mission for the Bengaluru-based space agency. The countdown commenced at 7:59 a.m. on Saturday, according to ISRO.
The EOS-09, also known as RISAT-1B, weighs approximately 1,696.24 kg and is designed for high-resolution, all-weather Earth imaging. The satellite will boost India’s capabilities in agriculture, forestry monitoring, disaster management, urban planning, and national security.
In an update posted on its website, ISRO stated: “12 hours to ISRO’s 101st space launch. PSLV-C61 is mission-ready.”
EOS-09 is a follow-on to RISAT-1 and a repeat version of EOS-04, launched in 2022. It will operate in tandem with other satellites from the Resourcesat, Cartosat, and RISAT-2B series, enhancing remote sensing through more frequent and comprehensive terrain coverage.
The PSLV-C61 is expected to place EOS-09 into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO) following a 17-minute flight. After separation, ISRO scientists will activate the Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) to lower the satellite’s altitude to its designated operational orbit.
With a planned mission life of five years, EOS-09 will carry sufficient fuel for a controlled de-orbiting process at the end of its service. This will allow the satellite to descend into an orbit where it will safely burn up within two years, in line with ISRO’s commitment to a debris-free space environment.