Introduction
The Bhaskara satellite series refers to a set of three Earth observation satellites launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The first satellite in the series, Bhaskara 1, was launched in 1979, followed by Bhaskara 2 in 1981 and Bhaskara 3 in 2008.
The Bhaskara satellites were designed to carry out remote sensing and imaging of the Earth’s surface, with a focus on applications such as agriculture, forestry, water resources, and oceanography. Bhaskara 1 and 2 were placed into a polar orbit at an altitude of around 560 km and had mission durations of six months and two years, respectively. Bhaskara 3 was placed into a higher orbit at an altitude of around 635 km and was primarily designed for oceanography.
Bhaskar Satellite Series
The Bhaskara satellite series refers to a set of three Earth observation satellites launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The first satellite in the series, Bhaskara 1, was launched in 1979, followed by Bhaskara 2 in 1981 and Bhaskara 3 in 2008.
The Bhaskara satellites were designed to carry out remote sensing and imaging of the Earth’s surface, with a focus on applications such as agriculture, forestry, water resources, and oceanography. Bhaskara 1 and 2 were placed into a polar orbit at an altitude of around 560 km and had mission durations of six months and two years, respectively. Bhaskara 3 was placed into a higher orbit at an altitude of around 635 km and was primarily designed for oceanography.
The Bhaskara satellites were equipped with cameras, sensors, and other instruments that were used to observe and measure various features of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere. These instruments included microwave radiometers, solid-state imaging systems, and sensors for measuring ocean surface winds and wave heights.
One of the key objectives of the Bhaskara satellites was to provide information on natural resources and environmental conditions in India. For example, Bhaskara 1 and 2 were used to gather data on land and water resources, including the detection of forest fires, monitoring of agricultural crops, and mapping of water resources. Bhaskara 3 was primarily designed for oceanography and carried instruments to measure ocean surface winds and wave heights, as well as to study ocean currents and other features.
In addition to their scientific objectives, the Bhaskara satellites also played an important role in advancing India’s space technology capabilities. Bhaskara 1 was India’s first experimental satellite, while Bhaskara 2 was the first satellite to be launched using an Indian-made launch vehicle, the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3).
The Bhaskara satellites were also used for international cooperation and collaborations with other countries. For example, Bhaskara 2 carried instruments developed by France, including a microwave radiometer for studying ocean surface temperatures.
Overall, the Bhaskara satellite series played an important role in the development of remote sensing technology in India and provided valuable data for a range of applications. The series also helped to establish India’s presence in the field of space technology and paved the way for the development of more advanced Earth observation satellites.
Bhaskara 1
Bhaskara 1 was the first satellite in the Bhaskara satellite series, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on June 7, 1979. The satellite had a mission duration of six months and was designed to carry out remote sensing and imaging of the Earth’s surface.
Bhaskara 1 was placed into a polar orbit at an altitude of around 560 km and had a mass of approximately 444 kg. The satellite was equipped with a range of instruments for observing land and water resources, as well as natural disasters such as floods and cyclones. These instruments included two cameras – one for capturing black and white images and the other for capturing color images – and a microwave radiometer for studying the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans.
During its mission, Bhaskara 1 provided valuable data on a range of features and phenomena, including crop patterns, forest cover, land use, and ocean currents. The satellite also helped to establish India’s presence in the field of space technology and laid the foundation for future Earth observation missions.
After completing its six-month mission, Bhaskara 1 reentered the Earth’s atmosphere and burned up upon reentry. Despite its short mission duration, the legacy of Bhaskara 1 continues to inspire India’s ongoing efforts in space technology and Earth observation.
Bhaskara 1 Satellite Characteristics
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Launch date | June 7, 1979 |
| Mission duration | 6 months |
| Mass | Approximately 444 kg |
| Orbit | Polar orbit at an altitude of around 560 km |
| Payload | Two cameras (black and white, and color) and a microwave radiometer |
| Objectives | Remote sensing and imaging of the Earth’s surface, particularly for studying land and water resources and natural disasters |
| Achievements | Provided valuable data on crop patterns, forest cover, land use, ocean currents, and other features and phenomena |
Bhaskara 1 Coverage Area
Bhaskara 1 was primarily designed for remote sensing and imaging of the Earth’s surface, particularly for studying land and water resources and natural disasters such as floods and cyclones. The satellite had two cameras for capturing black and white and color images, and a microwave radiometer for studying the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans.
The coverage area of Bhaskara 1 was mainly focused on India and its neighboring regions, although the satellite was also capable of imaging other parts of the world within its orbit. The satellite’s cameras provided images with a resolution of up to 70 meters, which allowed for the identification of various land features such as forests, mountains, and rivers. The microwave radiometer, on the other hand, was used to study the moisture content of soil and vegetation and the temperature of the Earth’s surface.
Overall, Bhaskara 1 provided valuable data on crop patterns, forest cover, land use, ocean currents, and other features and phenomena in its coverage area, which helped in resource mapping and disaster management efforts. The satellite played a significant role in establishing India’s presence in the field of space technology and Earth observation.
Bhaskara 1 Examples
Bhaskara 1 provided valuable data on land and water resources in India and its neighboring regions during its operational period. Here are a few examples of the satellite’s contributions:
- Crop mapping: Bhaskara 1 was used to map crop patterns and identify areas of high and low productivity. The satellite’s images helped in assessing crop yields, identifying areas of crop failure, and planning agricultural policies.
- Forest mapping: The satellite’s cameras were used to map forests and track changes in forest cover. The data provided by Bhaskara 1 helped in identifying areas of deforestation, monitoring forest fires, and assessing the impact of human activities on forest ecosystems.
- Disaster management: Bhaskara 1 was used to assess the damage caused by natural disasters such as floods and cyclones. The satellite’s images helped in identifying areas of flooding, assessing the extent of damage, and planning relief and rehabilitation measures.
- Water resource management: The satellite’s microwave radiometer was used to study the moisture content of soil and vegetation, which helped in identifying potential areas for groundwater exploration. The data provided by Bhaskara 1 also helped in monitoring the water levels in rivers and other water bodies.
Overall, Bhaskara 1 played a significant role in improving India’s capabilities in remote sensing and Earth observation, and contributed to the country’s efforts in resource mapping and disaster management.
Bhaskara 2
Bhaskara 2 was the second satellite in the Bhaskara satellite series, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on November 20, 1981. The satellite had a mission duration of two years and was designed to carry out remote sensing and imaging of the Earth’s surface, with a focus on applications such as agriculture, forestry, and water resources.
Bhaskara 2 was similar in design to its predecessor, Bhaskara 1, but had several improvements and upgrades. The satellite was placed into a polar orbit at an altitude of around 565 km and had a mass of approximately 444 kg. It was equipped with a range of instruments for observing land and water resources, including a solid-state imaging system for capturing images of the Earth’s surface.
During its two-year mission, Bhaskara 2 provided valuable data on a range of features and phenomena, including crop patterns, forest cover, and water resources. The satellite also helped to establish India’s capabilities in the field of remote sensing and paved the way for future Earth observation missions.
After completing its mission, Bhaskara 2 was decommissioned and remains in orbit to this day. The satellite’s legacy continues to inspire India’s ongoing efforts in space technology and Earth observation, and it remains an important milestone in India’s space program.
Bhaskara 2 Satellite Characteristics
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Launch date | November 20, 1981 |
| Mission duration | 2 years |
| Mass | Approximately 444 kg |
| Orbit | Polar orbit at an altitude of around 565 km |
| Payload | Solid-state imaging system and other instruments for observing land and water resources |
| Objectives | Remote sensing and imaging of the Earth’s surface, particularly for studying agriculture, forestry, and water resources |
| Achievements | Provided valuable data on crop patterns, forest cover, land use, water resources, and other features and phenomena, and helped to establish India’s capabilities in the field of remote sensing and Earth observation |
Bhaskara 2 Coverage Area
Bhaskara 2 was also primarily designed for remote sensing and imaging of the Earth’s surface, with a focus on studying agriculture, forestry, and water resources. The satellite had a solid-state imaging system and other instruments for observing land and water resources.
The coverage area of Bhaskara 2 was similar to that of Bhaskara 1, primarily covering India and its neighboring regions. However, the satellite’s imaging system had a higher resolution of up to 44 meters, which allowed for more detailed mapping of land features such as forests, crops, and water bodies. The satellite’s instruments were also used to study the hydrology of rivers and other water bodies, and to identify potential areas for groundwater exploration.
Overall, Bhaskara 2 provided valuable data on crop patterns, forest cover, land use, water resources, and other features and phenomena in its coverage area. The satellite helped to improve India’s capabilities in remote sensing and Earth observation, and contributed to the country’s efforts in resource mapping and management.
Bhaskara 2 Examples
Bhaskara 2 provided valuable data on land and water resources in India and its neighboring regions during its operational period. Here are a few examples of the satellite’s contributions:
- Crop mapping: Bhaskara 2 had a higher resolution imaging system compared to Bhaskara 1, which helped in mapping crop patterns in greater detail. The satellite’s images were used to assess crop yields, identify areas of crop failure, and plan agricultural policies.
- Forest mapping: Bhaskara 2 provided more detailed information on forest cover compared to Bhaskara 1. The satellite’s data helped in identifying areas of deforestation, monitoring forest fires, and assessing the impact of human activities on forest ecosystems.
- Water resource management: Bhaskara 2’s instruments were used to study the hydrology of rivers and other water bodies. The satellite’s data helped in monitoring the water levels and identifying potential areas for groundwater exploration.
- Urban planning: Bhaskara 2’s high-resolution imaging system was used to study urban areas and monitor their growth. The satellite’s images helped in identifying areas of rapid urbanization, assessing the impact of urbanization on natural resources, and planning urban development policies.
Overall, Bhaskara 2 played a significant role in improving India’s capabilities in remote sensing and Earth observation, and contributed to the country’s efforts in resource mapping and urban planning. The satellite provided valuable data on land and water resources, which helped in making informed decisions for sustainable development.
Bhaskara 3
Bhaskara 3 was the third satellite in the Bhaskara satellite series, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on May 20, 1990. The satellite had a mission duration of two years and was designed primarily for oceanographic studies, with a focus on measuring ocean surface winds and wave heights.
Bhaskara 3 was significantly different in design from its predecessors, with a more advanced payload and capabilities. The satellite was placed into a polar orbit at an altitude of around 536 km and had a mass of approximately 975 kg. It was equipped with a range of instruments for studying ocean surface features, including a scatterometer for measuring ocean surface winds, a radiometer for measuring ocean surface temperatures, and a radar altimeter for measuring wave heights.
During its mission, Bhaskara 3 provided valuable data on oceanographic features and phenomena, including ocean currents, sea surface temperature, and wave heights. The satellite’s data was used for a range of applications, including weather forecasting, climate research, and oceanographic studies.
After completing its mission, Bhaskara 3 was decommissioned and remains in orbit to this day. The satellite’s legacy continues to inspire India’s ongoing efforts in space technology and Earth observation, particularly in the field of oceanography.
Bhaskara 3 Satellite Characteristics
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Launch date | May 20, 1990 |
| Mission duration | 2 years |
| Mass | Approximately 975 kg |
| Orbit | Polar orbit at an altitude of around 536 km |
| Payload | Scatterometer, radiometer, radar altimeter, and other instruments for studying ocean surface winds, temperatures, and wave heights |
| Objectives | Oceanographic studies, particularly for measuring ocean surface winds and wave heights |
| Achievements | Provided valuable data on oceanographic features and phenomena, including ocean currents, sea surface temperature, and wave heights, and helped to establish India’s capabilities in the field of oceanography |
Bhaskara 3 Coverage Area
Bhaskara 3 was primarily designed for oceanographic studies, particularly for measuring ocean surface winds, temperatures, and wave heights. The satellite had a scatterometer, radiometer, radar altimeter, and other instruments for studying oceanographic features and phenomena.
The coverage area of Bhaskara 3 was focused on the Indian Ocean and its surrounding regions, including the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The satellite was able to map ocean currents, sea surface temperature, and wave heights, which helped in studying weather patterns and forecasting cyclones and other oceanic disturbances. The scatterometer on board the satellite was also used to study the direction and speed of ocean surface winds, which played a crucial role in weather forecasting and oceanography.
Overall, Bhaskara 3 provided valuable data on oceanographic features and phenomena in its coverage area, which helped in understanding weather patterns, forecasting cyclones, and improving navigation and shipping operations in the region. The satellite played a significant role in establishing India’s presence in the field of oceanography and remote sensing.
Bhaskara 3 Examples
Bhaskara 3 was primarily designed for oceanographic studies, particularly for measuring ocean surface winds, temperatures, and wave heights. Here are a few examples of the satellite’s contributions:
- Ocean currents and winds: Bhaskara 3’s scatterometer was used to study ocean surface winds and currents in the Indian Ocean and its surrounding regions. The data provided by the satellite helped in understanding weather patterns, forecasting cyclones, and improving navigation and shipping operations in the region.
- Sea surface temperature: Bhaskara 3’s radiometer was used to study sea surface temperature, which played a crucial role in weather forecasting and oceanography. The data provided by the satellite helped in understanding ocean circulation patterns and predicting the occurrence of El Niño and La Niña.
- Wave heights: Bhaskara 3’s radar altimeter was used to measure wave heights and study ocean waves. The data provided by the satellite helped in understanding the formation of waves, predicting oceanic disturbances, and improving safety measures for ships and offshore structures.
- Fisheries management: Bhaskara 3’s data on oceanographic features and phenomena was used for fisheries management. The data helped in identifying potential fishing zones, monitoring fish stocks, and regulating fishing activities.
Overall, Bhaskara 3 provided valuable data on oceanographic features and phenomena, which helped in understanding weather patterns, forecasting cyclones, and improving navigation and shipping operations in the Indian Ocean region. The satellite played a significant role in establishing India’s presence in the field of oceanography and remote sensing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bhaskara satellite series played a significant role in India’s efforts to develop its capabilities in remote sensing and Earth observation. The series consisted of three satellites – Bhaskara 1, Bhaskara 2, and Bhaskara 3 – each with its unique characteristics and mission objectives.
Bhaskara 1 and Bhaskara 2 were primarily designed for land resource mapping and management, while Bhaskara 3 was focused on oceanographic studies. These satellites provided valuable data on land and water resources, which helped in making informed decisions for sustainable development, resource management, and urban planning.
The Bhaskara satellite series contributed significantly to India’s efforts in establishing itself as a major player in the field of remote sensing and Earth observation. The satellites played a crucial role in improving the country’s capabilities in disaster management, weather forecasting, and natural resource management.