ISRO Set to Launch Cartosat-3 and Two Advanced Surveillance Satellites, Strengthening India’s Space-Based Border Monitoring

ISRO Set to Launch Cartosat-3 and Two Advanced Surveillance Satellites, Strengthening India’s Space-Based Border Monitoring

A Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) stands ready at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota ahead of the launch of Cartosat-3, a third-generation Earth-observation satellite that will enhance India’s space-based surveillance and border monitoring capabilities.

New Delhi, Agencies:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for a major phase of Earth observation and surveillance missions with the launch of Cartosat-3 and two additional advanced radar imaging satellites in late November and early December. These missions are expected to significantly enhance India’s space-based monitoring capabilities, particularly along sensitive border regions, and mark one of the most active launch periods for the national space agency focused on strategic and security-oriented objectives.

According to officials familiar with the mission schedule, Cartosat-3, a third-generation high-resolution Earth-imaging satellite, is scheduled to be launched on November 25 aboard the PSLV-C47 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Two more surveillance satellites—RISAT-2BR1 and RISAT-2BR2—are planned for launch in early December using PSLV-C48 and PSLV-C49 launch vehicles, respectively.

Together, the three satellites are expected to play a critical role in strengthening India’s reconnaissance, surveillance, and situational awareness from space, particularly in regions of strategic importance.

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Cartosat-3: A New Generation of Earth Observation

Cartosat-3 represents a significant technological leap in India’s Earth observation programme. The satellite will be placed into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 509 kilometres, with an orbital inclination of 97.5 degrees. This configuration allows the satellite to pass over the same region of the Earth at the same local solar time, enabling consistent lighting conditions and improved image analysis.

Equipped with advanced high-resolution optical imaging systems, Cartosat-3 is capable of capturing extremely detailed images of the Earth’s surface. Experts describe it as one of ISRO’s most sophisticated optical imaging satellites to date, with applications ranging from urban planning, infrastructure development, disaster management, and environmental monitoring to strategic and security-related observation.

Defence analysts often refer to the Cartosat series as India’s “eyes in the sky,” given their ability to provide near-real-time imagery with a high degree of accuracy. Cartosat-3 is expected to further improve India’s ability to monitor terrain changes, troop movements, and infrastructure developments across vast and difficult terrain.

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PSLV-C47 Mission and International Payloads

The PSLV-C47 mission is also notable for its international dimension. Along with Cartosat-3, the rocket will carry 13 commercial satellites from the United States, including nanosatellites and microsatellites developed for Earth observation, technology demonstration, and scientific research.

The launch is scheduled for 9:28 a.m. from Sriharikota, underscoring ISRO’s continued reliability as a global launch service provider. Over the years, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has earned a reputation for precision and consistency, attracting customers from around the world.

In total, nearly two dozen foreign nanosatellites and microsatellites are expected to be launched across three PSLV missions during this period. This reflects ISRO’s dual focus on advancing national strategic capabilities while maintaining a strong presence in the commercial launch market.

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RISAT-2BR1 and RISAT-2BR2: All-Weather Surveillance

Following the Cartosat-3 launch, ISRO will turn its attention to two Radar Imaging Satellites (RISAT)—RISAT-2BR1 and RISAT-2BR2—scheduled for launch on December 2 and later in the month, respectively.

Unlike optical satellites, radar imaging satellites use synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, which allows them to capture images regardless of weather conditions or time of day. This capability is particularly valuable for monitoring border areas, mountainous regions, and zones prone to cloud cover.

RISAT-2BR1 and RISAT-2BR2 are designed to provide high-resolution radar imagery, enabling precise detection and tracking of objects on the ground. Defence experts note that such satellites are crucial for maintaining continuous surveillance, especially during adverse weather or at night.

Together with Cartosat-3, these RISAT satellites are expected to form a complementary surveillance network, combining optical and radar imaging to deliver a more complete and reliable picture of developments on the ground.

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Strengthening India’s Strategic Space Capabilities

Analysts believe that the deployment of Cartosat-3, RISAT-2BR1, and RISAT-2BR2 will significantly enhance India’s space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The satellites are expected to support not only defence and border security operations but also a wide range of civilian and governmental applications.

In recent years, India has placed increasing emphasis on integrating space assets into national security planning. Space-based observation allows for faster decision-making, improved situational awareness, and reduced dependence on external sources of intelligence.

While ISRO has traditionally emphasized civilian and developmental uses of space technology, officials have acknowledged that many Earth observation satellites are dual-use in nature, serving both civilian and strategic requirements.

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Recent ISRO Surveillance Launches

The upcoming launches build on a series of recent missions focused on surveillance and electronic intelligence. Earlier this year, ISRO successfully launched RISAT-2B on May 22, a radar imaging satellite designed to enhance all-weather surveillance capabilities.

On April 1, ISRO also launched EMISAT, an electronic intelligence satellite developed to detect and locate enemy radar systems. EMISAT’s mission includes monitoring electromagnetic emissions, providing valuable data for electronic warfare and threat assessment.

In addition, ISRO recently launched 31 nanosatellites along with a satellite from the Cartosat-2 series from Sriharikota. Cartosat-2, equipped with multispectral cameras, is widely regarded as a versatile Earth-imaging platform capable of delivering detailed imagery for both civilian and strategic purposes.

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A Busy Year for Strategic Launches

According to media reports, this is one of the rare occasions when all major ISRO launches in a single year are being conducted from Sriharikota with a strong focus on surveillance and security-related objectives. The concentration of such missions underscores the growing importance of space assets in India’s overall security architecture.

Experts point out that the integration of optical, radar, and electronic intelligence satellites provides India with a layered observation capability, reducing blind spots and improving resilience against potential threats.

At the same time, ISRO continues to stress that its missions are conducted in line with international norms and are aimed at peaceful uses of outer space, even as they contribute to national security.

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Looking Ahead

With Cartosat-3 and the two RISAT satellites,ISRO is set to add significant new capabilities to India’s growing constellation of Earth observation spacecraft. These missions highlight the agency’s ability to deliver advanced technology on tight schedules while balancing domestic priorities and international commercial commitments.

As space becomes an increasingly important domain for national security, experts expect India to continue investing in next-generation satellites, improved launch vehicles, and enhanced data processing infrastructure.

The upcoming launches from Sriharikota not only reinforce ISRO’s technical expertise but also underline India’s determination to maintain robust, independent, and reliable space-based monitoring systems in an evolving regional and global security environment.

 

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