Earth Observation System Plans of India

Abstract

Operational methodologies are available to retrieve several parameters related to the land, air and oceans from satellite data which is capable of providing well calibrated data/observations over large areas giving a synoptic view on a repetitive and reliable basis. The capability of satellites to provide data in various spectral, spatial and temporal scales is of great advantage in studying the dynamic aspects of earth atmosphere system. The present day capabilities of satellites include spatial resolutions ranging from 10 m and above and repetition of a few hours (geosynchronous Satellite) to few days. Higher spatial resolutions and all weather capabilities (through microwave sensing) are becoming available in the immediate future. Towards utilising the potentials of space based systems, India has been operating INSAT series of satellite for weather monitoring and 1RS series of satellites for natural resources monitoring/management. The INSAT is a series of geostationary satellites stationed over Indian region to provide meteorological observations on a continuous basis in visible and thermal regions in addition to providing services for disaster warning related to Cyclones and remote location data collection platforms. The space based observations on meteorology over the past 5 years is proving to be a valuable data base for studies related to monsoon dynamics and tropical cyclones.