Space Technology plays a huge role in the development of the country through educational, agricultural, communication, and defence sector projects. This article provides information on the Cartosat series of satellites. This is an important topic for students preparing for the UPSC Civil Service Exam and other Government Exams.
Aspirants would find this article and the numerous related links given at the end of the article, very helpful while preparing for the Science and Technology section of the IAS Exam.
| Aspirants should begin their preparation by solving UPSC Previous Year Question Papers now!!
To complement your preparation for the upcoming exam, check the following links: |
A satellite is an artificial object which has been deliberately put into space for different purposes like remote sensing, weather forecasting, image mapping, education, and research. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is an important body in India and spearheads research in space science in India. Hence, it is an important segment of UPSC Syllabus for the Science and Technology section.
What is Cartosat?
Designed, developed and built by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the CARTOSAT satellites are a series of Earth Observation satellites. They were built with the purpose of large-scale mapping of Earth through High-Resolution cameras.
The CARTOSAT series of observation satellites will aid in detecting changes in natural geographical or man-made features. The Cartosat series is a part of the Indian Remote Sensing Program. They are used for Earth’s resource management defence services and monitoring.
Since the launch of CARTOSAT-1 in 2005, 8 cartosat satellites have been launched by ISRO.
Cartosat Launches – Complete List
| Launch year | Satellite | Importance |
| 2005 | CARTOSAT-1 | Earth observation satellite. |
| 2007 | CARTOSAT-2 | Remote sensing satellite-carrying panchromatic camera. |
| 2008 | CARTOSAT-2A | Similar to CARTOSAT-2. |
| 2010 | CARTOSAT-2B | Earth observation/remote sensing satellite. |
| 2016 | CARTOSAT-2C | Earth observation/remote sensing satellite. |
| 2017 | CARTOSAT-2D | The highest number of satellites (104 satellites) launched by a single launch vehicle. |
| 2018 | CARTOSAT- 2F | The 6th satellite in the Cartosat series to be built by ISRO. |
| 2019 | Cartosat-3 | Cartosat-3 is an optical satellite with the highest resolutions in the world. |
Cartosat-3
Indian Space Research Organization successfully launched CARTOSAT-3 from Sriharikota in November 2019. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV – C47) carried the CARTOSAT-3 along with 13 other nanosatellites for the US. New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial wing of ISRO signed the first commercial order for the launch of the 13 nanosatellites in March 2019.
This was the 74th launch vehicle mission from Sriharikota.
- It is a Generation- 3 advanced Earth Observation satellite.
- Cartosat-3 was carried by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) – C47, which is a launch system responsible for delivering various IRS Satellites in Low Earth Orbits and is also known as the “Workhorse of ISRO”.
- CARTOSAT-3 will provide high-resolution images for remote sensing with a ground resolution of 25 cm: it can pick up an object of a minimum of 25 cm size from a height of around 500 km.
- CARTOSAT-3 became known as the ‘Sharpest Eye’ in civil remote sensing satellites by breaking the record of a US-based satellite WorldView-3 that provided a ground resolution of 31cm.
Cartosat – 3 – Earth Observation Satellite:- Download PDF Here
Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)
Consider the following statements
- RISAT (Radar Imaging Satellite) is a series of Indian radar imaging reconnaissance satellites built by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). They provide all-weather surveillance using synthetic aperture radars (SAR).
- The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission is a joint project between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to co-develop and launch a dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar on an Earth observation satellite. The satellite will be the first radar imaging satellite to use dual frequencies.
- Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is an expendable launch system operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for placing satellites in Geostationary Orbits.
- Polar Orbits are located approximately 36,000 Km above earth’s equator and following the direction of Earth’s rotation.
Choose the correct answer from the below given options
A) None of the above given Statements are true.
B) All the above given Statements are true.
C) Only Statements 1, 2 and 3 are true.
D) Only Statements 1, 3 and 4 are true.
Answer: C
Candidates can find the general pattern of the UPSC Civil Service Exam by visiting the IAS Syllabus page.
Related Links
Comments