![]() Render of Cartosat-3 satellite in deployed configuration | |
Mission type | Earth observation |
---|---|
Operator | ISRO |
COSPAR ID | 2019-081A |
SATCAT no. | 44804 |
Website | www |
Mission duration | Planned: 5 years Elapsed: 1 year, 2 months[1] |
Spacecraft properties | |
Manufacturer | ISRO |
Launch mass | 1,625 kg (3,583 lb)[2] |
Power | 2000 watts[2] |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 27 November 2019UTC 09:28 IST[1] | , 03:58
Rocket | PSLV-XL C47[1] |
Launch site | Satish Dhawan SLP[1] |
Contractor | ISRO |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime | Sun-synchronous[1] |
Periapsis altitude | 509 km (316 mi)[1] |
Apoapsis altitude | 509 km (316 mi)[1] |
Inclination | 97.5°[2] |
Cartosat series |
Cartosat-3 is an advanced Indian Earth Observation satellite built and developed by ISRO, which will replace the IRS series. It has a panchromatic resolution of 0.25 metres making it the imaging satellite with highest resolution in the world and Mx of 1 metre with a high quality resolution which is a major improvement from the previous payloads in the Cartosat series.[3][4][5]
Potential uses include weather mapping, cartography or defence, and strategic applications.[6]
Cartosat-3 has a resolution of 25 cm (10").[7] It uses 1.2 m optics with 60% of weight removal compared to Cartosat-2. Other features include the use of adaptive optics, acousto optical devices, in-orbit focusing using MEMs and large area-light weight mirrors and advanced sense with a high quality resolution.[8] It has a planned mission life of 5 years.[9]
Cartosat-3 is the 3rd generation of high-resolution imaging satellites developed by ISRO.[10] It was developed in response to increased demand for imaging services to address urban planning, rural resource and infrastructure development needs.[11]
PSLV C47 carrying Cartosat-3 was launched on 27 November 2019 at 03:58 UTC using XL variant of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle from the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre into a sun synchronous orbit of 509 kilometers. Thirteen commercial ride-sharing 3U cubesats including twelve SuperDoves (Flock 4p)[12] by Planet Labs and one Meshbed by Analytical Space of United States were also put in orbit using the same launch vehicle.[9][13] Commercial ride-share was arranged by New Space India ltd, Spaceflight industries and ISILaunch.[14][15]