REMOTE SENSING APPLICATIONS- IRS SYSTEM

The Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite system is a constellation of Earth observation satellites developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). These satellites are specifically designed for remote sensing applications and gather valuable data about Earth\'s surface and atmosphere from space.

The IRS satellite system consists of various satellites equipped with advanced sensors and imaging instruments that capture high-resolution images and data across different spectral bands. These satellites orbit the Earth at various altitudes and angles, allowing for a comprehensive view and monitoring of Earth\'s surface.

Key features and capabilities of the IRS satellite system include:

1. Remote Sensing: IRS satellites capture data using sensors that range from optical to microwave frequencies, enabling the collection of information about land, water bodies, vegetation, urban areas, natural resources, and weather patterns.

2. Multi-Spectral Imaging: These satellites utilize multiple spectral bands to capture images of Earth\'s surface in various wavelengths, which helps in detailed analysis and interpretation of different features and phenomena.

3. Applications: IRS satellites are used for diverse applications such as agriculture, forestry, water resources management, urban planning, disaster monitoring, environmental studies, and geological exploration.

4. Temporal and Spatial Resolution: The IRS satellites offer different levels of temporal (time-based) and spatial (detail and coverage) resolutions suited for various applications, ranging from high-resolution imaging for detailed analysis to moderate and low resolutions for broader coverage.

The IRS satellite system has contributed significantly to India\'s capabilities in Earth observation and has been instrumental in various developmental and scientific endeavours. It continues to play a vital role in supporting multiple sectors and applications by providing valuable data for analysis, planning, and decision-making processes

Types of IRS Satellites

The Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite program encompasses various satellites designed to serve specific purposes and applications. Over time, ISRO has launched different types of IRS satellites, each with its own characteristics and capabilities. Here are some types of IRS satellites:

1. IRS-1 Series: The IRS-1 series was one of the initial remote sensing satellite series launched by ISRO. It included IRS-1A, IRS-1B, IRS-1C, and IRS-1D satellites. These satellites facilitated imaging in multiple spectral bands and provided data for various applications, including agriculture, forestry, and urban planning.

2. IRS-P Series: The IRS-P series focused on specific applications. For example, IRS-P3 was dedicated to oceanography, capturing data related to coastal processes, marine biology, and environmental studies of oceans.

3. Cartosat Series: The Cartosat series, including Cartosat-1, Cartosat-2, and subsequent versions, specialized in high-resolution imaging and cartographic applications. These satellites offered detailed stereo imaging for terrain mapping, urban planning, and land-use mapping.

4. Resourcesat Series: The Resourcesat series, comprising Resourcesat-1, Resourcesat-2, and Resourcesat-2A, aimed at resource monitoring. These satellites provided multispectral and hyperspectral data for agriculture, forestry, soil mapping, and environmental monitoring.

5. Oceansat Series: The Oceansat series, like Oceansat-1 and Oceansat-2, focused on ocean-related studies. These satellites collected data on ocean color, sea surface temperature, and marine biology, aiding in fisheries, coastal zone monitoring, and climate studies.

6. RISAT Series: The Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT) series, including RISAT-1 and RISAT-2, used synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to capture all-weather and day-and-night imaging. These satellites were primarily employed for agriculture, forestry, disaster management, and defense applications