India successfully launched its advanced Earth observation satellite, EOS-09, early Sunday morning, marking a big leap in the country’s all-weather imaging capabilities and remote sensing infrastructure.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted the launch at 5:59 am IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, using its reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61).

EOS-09, also known as RISAT-1B, is a repeat of the EOS-04 satellite and is designed to provide continuous, high-resolution remote sensing data for a broad spectrum of operational applications.

Weighing approximately 1,710 kilograms, the satellite is built on ISRO’s RISAT-1 heritage bus, incorporating proven systems from earlier missions for both its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload and bus platform. The mission is set for a five-year operational life.

A standout feature of EOS-09 is its advanced C-band SAR, which allows the satellite to capture detailed images of Earth’s surface regardless of weather conditions, day or night. This capability is crucial for uninterrupted, round-the-clock surveillance, supporting applications in agriculture, forestry, disaster management, urban planning, and national security.

The satellite’s five imaging modes enable both ultra-high-resolution scans for focused observation and wide-area coverage for broader surveillance needs.

EOS-09’s all-weather imaging is expected to play a pivotal role in border surveillance, detecting infiltration and supporting anti-terror operations, as well as in disaster management, where rapid data delivery can aid emergency response during floods, cyclones, and landslides.

The C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar can see through what optical satellites cannot—clouds, rain, fog, and dust—delivering uninterrupted, all-weather, day-and-night surveillance.

Additionally, its data will enhance crop monitoring, forest management, and urban development projects, providing vital information for resource management and governance.