ISRO's 7 Satellites Powering Indian Army's Eyes in the Sky

ISRO's seven surveillance satellites are providing highly accurate intelligence to the Indian Armed Forces. Through Cartosat, India can access high-resolution imagery with precision ranging from 0.6 meters to 0.35 meters.

These satellites have played a key role in accurately identifying and neutralizing Pakistani military radar systems and terrorist launch pads. They support real-time reconnaissance and electronic intelligence for tactical missions.

Satellite Contributions

• RISAT-2B: Radar Imaging Satellite capable of all-weather, day-night surveillance using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). Launched on 11 March 2019, ideal for naval tracking.
• RISAT-2BR1: SAR-based spy satellite capable of identifying objects just 35 cm apart, effective for monitoring concealed movements in Pakistan.
• Cartosat-3: Part of India’s remote sensing program with thermal imaging and a panchromatic camera capable of capturing objects as small as 25 cm.
• EMISAT: Developed under DRDO’s ‘Kautilya Project’, capable of detecting enemy radar signatures. It orbits Earth every 90 minutes, launched on 1 March 2019.
• HySIS: Provides hyperspectral imaging, identifying structural changes and material content of Pakistani military installations and convoys.
• GSAT-7: Geostationary satellite providing real-time secure communication across oceanic zones for the Navy, linking up to 60 ships and 75 aircraft.
• GSAT-7A: Known as "Angry Bird", supports Indian Air Force and Army with 30% capacity, integrating fighter jets, AWACS, and drones for network-centric warfare. Launched on 19 December 2018.

Future Outlook

ISRO plans to launch a fleet of 52 more satellites over the next five years to boost India’s space-based defense capabilities. Half of these will be developed by private sector companies, and the other half by ISRO itself.