SCATSAT-1 (Scatterometer Satellite-1) is a satellite providing weather forecasting, cyclone prediction, and tracking services to India. This article will provide details about the satellite within the context of the IAS Exam.
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What is the SCATSAT-1
SCATSAT stands for Scatterometer Satellite. It is a satellite which acts as a successor to Oceansat-2 satellite. It provides the following services
- Forecasting weather
- Prediction of cyclones
- Tracking services
This satellite was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Payload and Development
The primary payload of the satellite is a scatterometer similar to the one launched with Oceansat-2. The framework consists of a standard IMS-2 Bus and the mass of the spacecraft in 371 kg. The weight of the scatterometer is 110 kg. This satellite will measure the wind speed and its direction over the ocean.
Space Applications Centre of ISRO was responsible for the development of the payload whereas ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore was responsible for the bus. SCATSAT-1 was being built at 60% of the actual production cost and 1/3rd of the actual predicted time. It was built using leftover parts of other satellite missions.
When was the SCATSAT-1 Satellite Launched?
SCATSAT-1 was launched on 26th September 2016. It was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh. This satellite will function for a period of 5 years. Data from this satellite will be used by ISRO, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) EUMETSAT and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Which launch vehicle was used for launching SCATSAT-1?
SCATSAT-1 was launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C 35). The other satellites launched with SCATSAT-1 are given below.
- AltSat-1B, 2B
- Pathfinder-1
- 5 other nanosatellites
What is Oceansat?
It is satellite developed by ISRO to study the following.
- To study surface winds
- Ocean Surface Strata
- Monitoring phytoplanktons
- Observing the concentration of chlorophyll.
The above details would help candidates preparing for UPSC 2021.
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