TSAT-1A:
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) recently announced the successful deployment in space of its sub-metre resolution optical satellite, TSAT-1A, by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
- TSAT-1A is an optical sub-metre-resolution Earth observation satellite.
- It was built by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in collaboration with Latin American company Satellogic Inc, following a collaboration agreement between the two companies in late 2023.
- TSAT-1A was assembled in TASL’s Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) plant at its Vemagal facility in Karnataka.
- It was launched by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, in the US.
- TSAT-1A’s core strength lies in its ability to capture military grade imagery of Earth’s surface with sub-meter resolution.
- It is equipped with both multispectral and hyperspectral imaging capabilities.
- This technology allows TSAT-1A to collect data across a wide range of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum, providing a deeper and more nuanced understanding of land, water, and various natural resources.
- TSAT-1A boasts greater collection capacity, a wider dynamic range (the ability to capture detail in both very bright and very dark areas), and low-latency delivery of data.
- This satellite will be used by Indian defense forces to gather discreet information, and this information will be shared with friendly nations.
- It can enable defence forces to enhance their preparedness, response capabilities, and strategic decision-making.
