National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will jointly launch Constellation of Maritime Surveillance Satellites for Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The Satellite will trace illegal spillage of oil by ships.
It will be the first space-based system in the world capable of tracking ships continuously.
Key Points:
i.The Satellites will be jointly operated by India and France to monitor ships in the IOR. The IOR has several Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC) which are used by many ships each day.
ii.The Monitoring Centre of the Surveillance Satellites will be based in India.
The parts of the satellite will be built in both countries, and it will be launched from India.
iii.The Design phase of the Satellite has been successfully completed by a joint team of ISRO-CNES, and it is set to enter the development phase soon.
iv.It will cover a wide belt around the globe, and will benefit a broad range of French economic interests also.
‘Trishna’:
i.A highly precise thermal infrared observer ‘Trishna’ will be part of the fleet of Indo-French Satellites.
ii.It will serve a range of applications which includes sustainable agriculture, drought forecasting and monitoring or urban heat islands.
Background:
i.In August, 2019 CNES and ISRO committed to develop and build a constellation of satellites to carry telecommunications, radar, optical and remote-sensing instruments.
ii.CNES & ISRO have partnered to operate a number climate-monitoring satellites.
Recent Related News:
i.On March 27, 2020 For the 1st time India & France conducted joint patrol from the Reunion Island in February 2020 by P-8I aircraft with French Navy personnel to maintain the security of international maritime routes for trade and communications.
About France:
President – Emmanuel Macron
Capital – Paris
Currency – Euro,CFP franc
About Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):
Chairman – K. Sivan (Kailasavadivoo Sivan)
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
