Cartosat 3

The Cartosat 3 has been designed and developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The premier organisation has developed these satellites for observation of the planet earth. The CARTOSAT series of satellites are in-built with remote sensing abilities and will replace the IRS series of satellites. Recently, the ISRO has launched Cartosat 3 and 13 additional nanosatellites into a sun-synchronous orbit. The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Key Highlights About Cartosat 3

The advanced Cartosat 3 satellite is a third-generation model designed for earth observation. It was carried by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C47. The PSLV is a unique launch system that ISRO has developed. The Cartosat 3 has the most advance and sharpest resolution that offers civil motion sensing. A key camera installed on the satellite brings up images of objects as small as 25 cm from a height of 500 km.

Cartsoat 3 is a heavier model than its previous models in the same class. It weighs a stark 1625 kg which is double the mass of previous models. The PSLV launcher will help the satellite land in a 509 km orbit at an inclination of 97.5 degrees to the earth's equator. The satellite is in-built with several advanced technologies, including a flexible camera, leading computer systems and a high rate of data transmission.

Applications Of Cartosat 3 Satellite

In general, the data collected from a Cartosat satellite is exclusively brought into use by the country's armed forces. An existing policy permits the government and its authorised agencies to access high-resolution images below a threshold of 1 metre, captured by ISRO. Since the Cartosat 3 satellite is also in-built with optical imaging features, it will be able to detect and relay accurate information which is relevant to mapping activities.

The images captured by the satellite will assist policymakers in infrastructure planning across urban and rural locations, implement correct use of coastal regions and regulate land use, monitor networks of roads water grids and aid in disaster management activities.

What Are Cartosat Satellites?

The purpose of Cartosat satellites is to map areas of the earth using highly technical cameras. Due to this feature, Cartosat satellites can detect artificial features and define the extent of natural geographical changes. The satellite can capture continuous spot images since its cameras can move in a front and back motion.

Also included in the observation satellites are the RISAT, Oceans and Resources at series of satellites. Together, these satellites provide data in images needed to assess various water and land resources and their applications. Yet other satellites such as INSAT 3D, Megha Tropiques and INSAT VRR help study the atmosphere.

FAQs on Cartosat 3

Q.1. How does the Cartosat 3 compare with other satellites at capturing ground resolution?

While Cartosat 3 can capture the image of objects with a minimum size of 25 cm, the Worldview 3, currently owned by a private company in the US, offers one of the best image resolutions of objects that are 31 cm in size.

Q.2. What are the details about the 13 nanosatellites launched from the US and Cartosat 3?

Included in the 13 nanosatellites launched from the US are 12 different earth observation satellites named FLOCK 4P. Also included is one satellite, a communication testbed satellite, and the name MESHBED. These satellites have been launched as a part of a commercial arrangement with ISRO's commercial wing, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

Q.3. Where does Cartosat 3 land on PSLV's number of flights?

Cartosat 3 is PSLV's 49th flight and the 21st flight of the PSLV XL launcher variant. It is also ISRO's 74th launch vehicle mission from the centre of Sriharikota.

Q.4. What is the feature of remote sensing?

Remote sensing features in a satellite help obtain information regarding targets that could be an object or an area. It is typically used to record data and collect information continuously.