BENGALURU: ISRO is preparing for its 101st satellite launch this Sunday. The mission involves one of its heaviest satellites, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C61, also called the Earth Observatory Satellite (EOC)-09. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan informed TNIE that the launch is scheduled for May 18.
This satellite weighs around 1700 kilograms, making it one of the largest built by the team. It will be launched from Sriharikota at about 6 am. On Thursday, the payloads were moved from the integration facility to the mobile service towers to prepare for the launch.
Narayanan explained that the all-weather satellite will focus on observing Earth for Indian needs. It will take high-resolution images for various applications. The launch is important for India’s space sector, especially amid ongoing tensions with Pakistan. Around 10 Indian satellites are monitoring the situation and supporting the country’s defense.
A senior ISRO official said this launch shows India’s progress in space. The satellite will support national security and critical infrastructure. The official also mentioned that this satellite has an improved C-Band synthetic aperture for clearer images.
The satellite is part of the XL version of rockets and is considered the larger cousin of previous all-weather satellites. These include Risat-1A, launched in 2022 to help with agriculture, forestry, soil moisture, and flood control. Risat-1B, launched in 2025, was used to monitor India’s borders.
Risat-1B played a role during Operation Sindoor, providing continuous surveillance. Overall, this satellite marks a step forward for India’s space efforts and protection capabilities.