EOS-9 (RISAT-1B) is scheduled to be launched aboard PSLV-C61 on May 18, 2025, at 6:59 AM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This state-of-the-art radar imaging satellite is designed for all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation. EOS 9 will play a crucial role in a wide range of applications, including agriculture monitoring, forestry assessment, disaster response, urban planning, and strengthening national security—particularly in enhancing border surveillance capabilities.
Equipped with a C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), EOS 9 (RISAT 1B) is engineered for high-performance, all-weather imaging, both day and night. It features five distinct imaging modes, allowing exceptional flexibility—from ultra-high-resolution imaging of up to one metre, ideal for detecting small objects and detailed surveillance, to wide-area scans suited for monitoring large geographic regions. This adaptability enables the satellite to seamlessly serve both military and civilian applications.
EOS-09 (RISAT-1B) is the successor to the earlier RISAT-1 satellite and shares a similar technical configuration, particularly its use of C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for all-weather, day-and-night imaging. While RISAT-1B brings improved capabilities and flexibility, it is not a standalone system—it is designed to complement the data collected by other Indian Earth observation satellites such as the Resourcesat (focused on agriculture and land use), Cartosat (known for high-resolution cartographic and infrastructure mapping), and the RISAT-2B series (which uses X-band radar for finer detail). Together, these satellites form a multi-band, multi-sensor network that enables India to build a comprehensive, self-reliant Earth observation ecosystem. This integrated system enhances national capabilities in strategic surveillance, environmental monitoring, resource management, and disaster preparedness.
The RISAT series, particularly RISAT-2, has proven its strategic value in critical military operations, most notably during the 2016 surgical strike in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the 2019 Balakot air strike. During these high-profile operations, RISAT-2 played a pivotal role by providing real-time, high-resolution radar imagery, which was essential for surveillance, target identification, and damage assessment. The satellite’s X-band radar allowed for precise monitoring, even in adverse weather and at night, ensuring operational accuracy and timing during both operations.
In the 2016 surgical strike, RISAT-2’s imaging was crucial for confirming the location of militant launch pads and tracking enemy movements, offering vital intelligence before, during, and after the strike. Similarly, in the 2019 Balakot air strike, the satellite’s capabilities were leveraged to track the target area and assess the aftermath, providing real-time data that supported decision-making and confirmed the success of the operation.
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Key Technical Specifications Of EOS-9 (RISAT-1B)
The EOS-9 (RISAT-1B) satellite is designed for advanced Earth observation using C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). It was launched in March 2025 and is expected to remain operational until its End of Life (EOL) in December 2029. The satellite operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 530 km with an inclination of 97.5°, allowing it to maintain consistent lighting conditions for imaging. With a repeat cycle of 12 days, it ensures periodic coverage of the same region for time-series analysis. Weighing 1696.24 kg at launch, RISAT-1B is equipped with a robust power system generating 2400 watts, supporting its high-resolution radar and onboard systems for round-the-clock, all-weather surveillance. Note: These are not official data from ISRO; they are collected from some other website.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | May 2025 |
| Mission Life | 5 Years |
| Orbit Type | Sun-synchronous |
| Orbit Altitude | 530 km (approx) |
| Orbit Inclination | 97.5°(approx) |
| Repeat Cycle | 12 days (approx) |
| Mass at Launch | 1696.24 kg |
| Power | 2400 W |
The launch of EOS-9 (RISAT-1B) strengthens India’s Earth observation capabilities with its all-weather, high-resolution imaging. Supporting both civilian and defense needs, it complements existing satellites and reinforces ISRO’s mission to build a robust, self-reliant space-based surveillance and monitoring network.
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