Geography · Ch 15 — Transport and Communication — India
Satellite Communication
Satellite Communication
Satellites are not just a medium of communication themselves — they also regulate the use of other means of communication. What makes satellite communication especially vital for a country like India is its ability to provide a continuous and synoptic (wide-area, simultaneous) view of large regions. This capability has major economic and strategic importance.
Satellite images serve many practical purposes: weather forecasting, monitoring natural calamities (cyclones, floods, droughts), and surveillance of border areas.
Two Main Satellite Systems in India
Based on configuration and purpose, India's satellite systems fall into two groups:
| System | Full Name | Established / Operational | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| INSAT | Indian National Satellite System | 1983 | Multi-purpose: telecommunication, meteorological observation, and other data/programmes |
| IRS | Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System | March 1988 (with IRS-1A) | Remote sensing — collecting data in several spectral bands for resource management |
IRS-1A was launched from Vaikanour in Russia. India has since developed its own launch vehicle, the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle).
How Remote Sensing Satellites Work
IRS satellites collect data in multiple spectral bands (different wavelengths of light, including visible and infrared). This data is transmitted to ground stations for processing and use.