GISAT-1
ISRO announced that it would be postponing the launch of the GISAT-1, its first geo imaging satellite, due to technical reasons.
About the Satellite
GISAT-1 or Geo Imaging Satellite 1 is the first such project of the ISRO. It is to be launched from the 2nd launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at SHAR in Sriharikota. It was scheduled for launch in March, 2020 but was delayed due to technical reasons.
GSLV
The GISAT-1 is to be launched by the GSLV F10. This is to be the 14th flight of the GSLV Mark II vehicle. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle is an expendable launch system that uses 3 stages to launch the satellite into the geostationary transfer orbit or low earth orbit. The launch of GISAT-1 is expected to take about 18 minutes and 39 seconds.
Geostationary Transfer Orbit
The GISAT-1 is to be placed in the geostationary transfer orbit. It is to operate at an altitude of 36,000km from the earth’s surface. The satellite will first reach the geosynchronous transfer orbit and then be commanded from ground to enter its slotted geostationary transfer orbit using its own propulsion system.
Purpose
The GISAT-1 will be used for fast imaging- unlike those provided by the satellites from the low earth orbit. Constant and rapid surveillance can be performed by the satellite. It will be used for monitoring short term events, natural disasters and episodic events. It can be used for monitoring the spectral signatures of oceans, clouds, glaciers and snow and will be used for forestry, agriculture and mineralogy.
