An Earth Resource Satellite (ERS) is a spacecraft designed to study and monitor the Earth’s natural resources, atmosphere, oceans, land surfaces and natural phenomena providing valuable data for scientific research, management and conservation.There are five main types of Earth Resource Satellites (ERS) categorized based on their primary applications –

1. Land satellites like Landsat and Resourcesat observe Earth’s land surfaces, monitoring land use, soil moisture, crop health, geological features and environmental changes for resource management.
2. Ocean satellites such as Oceansat and Seasat, monitor ocean currents, wave patterns, sea surface temperature, ocean color, and marine life aiding fisheries, climate research and naval operations.
3. Atmospheric satellites like INSAT and METEOSAT monitor weather patterns, climate, atmospheric conditions, air quality, ozone layer depletion and storm tracking, enabling accurate weather forecasting and research.
4. Agricultural satellites such as Resourcesat and CropSat monitor crop health, soil moisture, irrigation needs and yield predictions, facilitating precision farming, optimal resource allocation and improved agricultural productivity.
5. Disaster management satellites provide critical data for emergency response, tracking natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, landslides and cyclones enabling rapid damage assessment, rescue operations and relief efforts.

Earth Resource Satellites play a vital role in monitoring and managing natural resources, predicting disasters and aiding conservation efforts. Their data enables informed decision making, promoting sustainable development, environmental protection and improved resource utilization, benefiting humanity and the planet.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) established in 1969 has achieved remarkable milestones including launching over 350 satellites, Mars Orbiter Mission and Chandrayaan. With a budget of ₹13,700 crores (2022-2023) and a workforce of 16,000+, ISRO continues to advance India’s space program.

Objectives – 

1. Investigate celestial bodies, planets and galaxies through manned and unmanned missions, advancing scientific knowledge.
2. Study celestial phenomena, astronomical events and cosmic processes through research, observations and experiments.
3. Design, develop and demonstrate innovative space based technologies, systems and products for societal benefits.
4. Utilize space technology for societal benefits including communication, navigation, remote sensing, weather forecasting and resource management.
5. Collaborate with global space agencies, sharing resources, expertise and knowledge to advance space exploration.

ISRO’s achievements include launching over 350 satellites, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), Chandrayaan 1 and 2, GSLV Mk III, reusable launch technology and numerous Earth observation and communication satellites, showcasing India’s space prowess.

Its facilities and centers include Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and Space Applications Centre (SAC), driving space research and development.Future plans include Gaganyaan (manned spaceflight), Chandrayaan 3 (lunar landing), Aditya L1 (solar mission), Shukrayaan 1 (Venus orbiter), Indian Space Station and reusable launch vehicles, advancing India’s space capabilities.

ISRO collaborates with global space agencies like NASA, ESA, Roscosmos and CNES on projects such as Mars exploration, space science, human spaceflight and satellite launches, fostering international cooperation.