Mumbai: The Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) has stressed on the need to have a
constellation of satellites with multisectoral sensors to
predict, mitigate and manage disasters.
"Exactly how many satellites an effective
constellation would need is still open for debate. No single
satellite can hope to meet all these needs. Rather, what
disaster managers need is a constellation of satellites
carrying a range of sensors," Director, Space Application
Centre, ISRO Ranganath Navalgund told from Ahmedabad
today.
The constellation plan is a part of the 'Umbrella
Plan' of the organisation, he said.
Disasters come in all shapes and sizes, needing
varying data during the disaster cycle of mitigation,
preparedness, response and recovery, Navalgund said.
Many studies suggest at least eight satellites, with
dual capability sensors can collect both high and low spatial
resolution data, and an equal split between optical (including
thermal) and microwave instruments.
"The satellites should also be agile, they should
allow rapid changes in camera orientation so that a disaster
area can be kept in view longer," he said.
However, India currently makes use of data from
different satellites which are already operating for disaster
management.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 15:32