Role of Earth Observation Satellites in Counter-Infiltration & Border Management
Context:
The declared use made of earth observation satellites (Cartosat Series) for facilitating the surgical strikes conducted across the Line of Control in September 2016 represents a new precedent.
The Home Minister has announced the government’s intent to seal the border by 2018.
Although sealing the entire border would be a significant challenge mainly due to variations in the terrain and topography, the use of remote sensing systems provides one of the more effective means to overcome it.
Attempts at infiltration could be detected by using low earth orbit surveillance satellites, which would in turn enable the blocking of infiltrators through suitable force deployment.
Most of India’s present repertoire of 13 operational remote sensing satellites with earth observation payloads, including the RISAT and CARTOSAT series, are assumed to be capable of providing high-quality earth observation imagery ranging from 50m to sub-meter resolution.
Process:
â—Ź On each of its flights over any surface on the earth, the satellite takes snapshots or close earth observation high-resolution images of the area it is ground tracing
â—Ź this process occurs 14 to 15 times a day.
â—Ź Hence, most scenes are individual or a series of observed images.
â—Ź These observations are then analysed with patterns and feature identification processes using digital image processing methods.
â—Ź This process along with inputs from other systems like ground radars and aerial surveillance platforms like the Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AEWACS), manned posts, aerial reconnaissance that render round the clock surveillance capabilities provide confirmation or build the overall picture of the situation.
Issues:
â—Ź However, the satellite may not pass over the same Area of Interest(AoI) everytime
â—Ź Therefore, the constant monitoring of the AoI requires a constellation of satellites.
â—Ź At present, there are no satellite constellations that could form a contiguous chain of observation systems to monitor a designated target continuously.
â—Ź Given all this, India would need more than one satellite constellation.
Way Forward:
â—Ź To meet that objective, preferably smaller satellite systems at very low earth orbit to enable short revisits and repeat cycles would be ideal.
● The construction of nano and pico satellites is within India’s technological capability.
â—Ź It is highly recommended that a range of nano and pico satellites be manufactured and their employment integrated with the border management system.
Source: IDSA
