The first Indian cartography satellite is the Cartosat-1. It was launched on May 5, 2005, by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Cartosat-1 has been a valuable asset to the Indian government and to the people of India. It has helped to improve the accuracy and timeliness of mapping in India, and it has also been used to address a variety of challenges, such as natural disasters and urban development.
What is a Cartography Satellite?
A cartography satellite, also known as an Earth observation satellite or remote sensing satellite, is a type of satellite specifically designed and equipped to collect data and images of the Earth’s surface from space. The primary purpose of cartography satellites is to capture high-resolution images, gather geospatial data, and monitor various aspects of the Earth’s surface, such as land, oceans, and the atmosphere. These satellites play a crucial role in cartography, mapping, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and scientific research.
Cartosat-1: The First Indian Cartography Satellite
Cartosat-1 was an Earth observation satellite launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was primarily designed for cartographic and Earth observation purposes. Here are some key details about Cartosat-1:
Name and Designation: Cartosat-1 is officially known as “Cartosat-1” and is also referred to as “IRS-P5.” The “Cartosat” name signifies its primary role in cartography and mapping applications.
Launch Date: Cartosat-1 was launched on May 5, 2005, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota, India.
Purpose and Objectives:
Cartography and Mapping: The primary objective of Cartosat-1 was to provide high-resolution optical imagery for cartographic and mapping purposes. It aimed to generate detailed and accurate maps of India and other regions.
Urban and Rural Planning: The satellite was used for urban planning, infrastructure development, and rural development projects.
Natural Resource Management: Cartosat-1 contributed to monitoring and managing natural resources, including land use, agriculture, forestry, and water resources.
Disaster Management: It played a vital role in disaster management by providing timely and detailed images for assessing the impact of natural disasters and planning response efforts.
Technical Specifications:
- Cartosat-1 was placed in a polar sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 618 kilometers.
- It was equipped with a panchromatic (black-and-white) high-resolution camera with a ground resolution of about 2.5 meters. This camera could capture detailed images of the Earth’s surface.
- The satellite was capable of imaging a swath width of approximately 30 kilometers.
Significance and Impact: Cartosat-1 was a significant milestone in India’s space program, as it marked the country’s dedicated entry into high-resolution Earth observation and cartography. The data generated by Cartosat-1 played a crucial role in various developmental and planning activities in India.
Subsequent Cartosat Satellites: Following the success of Cartosat-1, ISRO launched several more satellites in the Cartosat series, each with improved capabilities. These satellites continued to support mapping, cartography, urban planning, and disaster management efforts in India and other regions.
International Collaboration: ISRO also entered into agreements with other countries and organizations to share and collaborate on Earth observation data from Cartosat-1 and subsequent Cartosat satellites, contributing to global mapping and monitoring efforts.
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