India to Bolster Surveillance with EOS-09 Satellite Launch on May 18

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India is preparing to take another big step in space technology with the launch of its latest surveillance satellite, EOS-09, on May 18, 2025. The launch will take place from the Sriharikota spaceport using the trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). A group of lawmakers will be attending the event, highlighting how space science is becoming an important part of modern governance and decision-making.

What Makes EOS-09 Special

Known officially as RISAT-1B, the EOS-09 satellite weighs around 1,710 kilograms. It’s equipped with a C-band synthetic aperture radar — a technology that allows it to capture sharp, clear images even through clouds, rain, and in complete darkness. Unlike regular cameras that need daylight and clear skies, this radar can see what’s happening on the ground, day or night, in all weather conditions. The satellite will orbit the Earth in a sun-synchronous path, which means it will pass over the same areas at the same local time every day, providing consistent lighting for the images it captures.

How EOS-09 Will Be Used

The satellite is designed to serve multiple purposes. For national security, it will help keep an eye on sensitive border areas and detect any suspicious activity or infiltration. In agriculture, it will help monitor crops and forests, giving scientists and farmers valuable data. In times of natural disasters like floods or storms, it can quickly provide images to help emergency teams respond faster and more effectively.

A Leap Forward in Imaging Technology

EOS-09 isn’t just powerful — it’s smart too. It can operate in five different modes, meaning it can zoom in for close-up images or scan wide areas depending on what’s needed. Impressively, it can spot objects as small as one metre. This level of detail is especially useful when it comes to tracking movement along India’s borders with Pakistan and China.

Part of a Bigger Picture

EOS-09 won’t be working alone. It will join a growing team of Indian satellites, including Resourcesat, Cartosat, and the RISAT-2B series. Together, they form a network that keeps track of land usage, changing weather patterns, and national security. With EOS-09 added to the mix, the entire system becomes even more efficient at collecting and analysing data.

Why the Launch Event Matters

The fact that Members of Parliament will be there to witness the launch shows how seriously India is taking space technology. Their involvement reflects a growing understanding that data from satellites can play a vital role in making smart policies — whether it’s about managing natural resources, planning development, or ensuring national safety. This launch is more than just a technical achievement; it’s a sign of how space science is helping shape the future of the country.

What Lies Ahead

The launch of EOS-09 is part of a broader vision to strengthen India’s ability to observe and understand its land, borders, and environment. As the country continues to invest in advanced space missions, the possibilities are only growing — from better disaster response to smarter agriculture and stronger security. EOS-09 is another important step in using space technology not just for scientific progress, but for the benefit of everyone in the country.