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sathyameshwar9
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Reaching New Horizons: The Satellites Between Rohini and Bhaskara (1979–1981)

Imagine a time when India was just beginning to dream big in the realm of space exploration
—a time when each step felt like a giant leap for a nation striving to touch the stars. Between
1979 and 1981, ISRO embarked on a journey that was nothing short of revolutionary. This
was the era of Rohini and Bhaskara, names that would become synonymous with India's
relentless pursuit of self-reliance and innovation in space.

The Birth of Rohini: A Nation’s Pride


In 1980, history was made when the Rohini Technology Payload (RTP) soared into the
skies aboard the SLV-3, India's first indigenously developed rocket. The date—July 18, 1980
—marked the moment when India joined an elite club of nations capable of launching
satellites on their own. It wasn’t just a satellite launch; it was a bold declaration that India
was ready to chart its own path in the cosmos.

RS-1 (Rohini Satellite 1): Launched on July 18, 1980, RS-1 was successfully placed into
orbit by the SLV-3. This satellite was equipped with a simple scientific payload to study
Earth’s upper atmosphere, measuring atmospheric density and conducting remote sensing
experiments. Its success marked India's entry as a spacefaring nation.

RS-D1 (Rohini Satellite Development 1): Launched on May 31, 1981, this experimental
satellite aimed to evaluate new systems and technologies for operational payloads, primarily
focusing on remote sensing and paving the way for advanced Earth observation programs.

RS-D2 (Rohini Satellite Development 2): Though launched on April 17, 1983 (slightly
beyond the timeline), it featured enhanced remote sensing capabilities for detailed
hydrological and land-use studies, continuing Rohini's legacy.

Bhaskara: The Eye in the Sky


Even as Rohini was making headlines, another marvel was silently watching over Earth. The
Bhaskara-I satellite, launched in June 1979, was a trailblazer in remote sensing. Its twin,
Bhaskara-II, launched in November 1981, joined the mission to form an incredible pair of
“eyes in the sky.”

Bhaskara 1: Launched on June 7, 1979, and named after the Indian mathematician
Bhaskara, this satellite carried two TV cameras for land use mapping, forest cover analysis,
and crop monitoring. It also housed SAMIR (Satellite Microwave Radiometer), which
collected hydrological data, including soil moisture and ocean surface temperatures, crucial
for agriculture and disaster mitigation.

Bhaskara 2: Launched on November 20, 1981, it featured upgraded TV cameras and


radiometers for better data quality. This satellite contributed significantly to land and water
resource mapping, aiding agricultural planning and resource management while supporting
climate studies and flood forecasting.
These satellites weren’t just pieces of machinery; they were harbingers of change. Equipped
with advanced sensors and cameras, they mapped land, observed oceans, and analyzed
weather patterns. They were like India’s celestial surveyors, uncovering secrets that would
help farmers, scientists, and environmentalists alike.

From the first tentative steps of Rohini to the groundbreaking imagery of Bhaskara, this
phase was ISRO’s proving ground. It was here that dreams began to transform into reality,
setting the stage for even grander achievements.

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