Question

Discuss the development of remote sensing in India.

Answer 1

• The development of remote sensing in India began in the 1970s with experimental studies and aerial photography projects for mapping and land use surveys. Recognising the vast potential of satellite-based remote sensing, India launched its first Earth observation satellite, IRS-1A, in 1988 under the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) program.
• Over the years, India expanded this program with satellites like IRS-1B, IRS-1C, IRS-1D, Resourcesat, Cartosat, Oceansat, and the RISAT series. These satellites provided multi-spectral, high-resolution data used for various applications, such as agriculture, water resources, forestry, and urban planning.
• India also launched the INSAT series of meteorological satellites for weather observation and forecasting, and the Cartosat series for high-resolution mapping. Today, India’s remote sensing program is one of the largest operational satellite systems in the world.