22-Hour Countdown Begins for PSLV-C61 Mission, Liftoff Scheduled at 5.59 AM on May 18
Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has initiated the 22-hour countdown for the launch of its Earth Observation Satellite-09 (EOS-09) aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61). The launch is scheduled for 5.59 AM on May 18 from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.This mission marks the 101st launch for ISRO and the 63rd flight of the PSLV, further reinforcing the Bengaluru-headquartered agency’s operational capabilities in Earth observation technology.
About the EOS-09 Satellite
Weighing approximately 1,696.24 kg, EOS-09 (also referred to as RISAT-1B) is designed to deliver high-resolution imagery of Earth’s surface in all weather conditions. This makes it a critical asset for a variety of applications, including:- Agricultural planning and monitoring
- Forest and resource mapping
- Disaster response and management
- Urban development
- National security operations
Launch and Orbit Details
Once launched, the PSLV-C61 rocket will take about 17 minutes to deploy EOS-09 into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO). Post-separation, onboard Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) will be used to lower the satellite’s altitude to the desired operational orbit.The satellite’s planned mission life is five years. Notably, ISRO has included sufficient fuel reserves to de-orbit the satellite responsibly after its mission, lowering it to an altitude that ensures atmospheric re-entry and decay within two years, in line with space debris mitigation strategies.
Strategic Significance
EOS-09 strengthens India’s ability to generate near-real-time, round-the-clock Earth imagery, a key requirement for operational users and policymakers. The enhanced imaging frequency will significantly benefit both civilian and strategic sectors, contributing to more informed decision-making and faster response in emergencies.With the countdown underway, ISRO is geared up for yet another significant milestone in its remote sensing and space observation capabilities.