ISRO’s Satellite Captures Image of Ayodhya and Assists in Surgical and Airstrikes

On January 21, 2024, ISRO released satellite images of Ayodhya and the Shri Ram Mandir, providing the nation with a majestic view of the temple from space. The satellite responsible for capturing these images is believed to be from the Cartosat-2 series, with a resolution of approximately one meter. Interestingly, this same satellite has been utilized by the Indian armed forces during surgical strikes and the Balakot airstrike in Pakistan. Let’s delve deeper into the details.

1. The Satellite that Captured Ayodhya’s Image:

ISRO’s satellite imagery not only captured the grandeur of the Shri Ram Mandir but also showcased a significant portion of Ayodhya. The images depicted the railway station below and the Dussehra Ghat situated along the Sarayu River. The images were taken a month prior to their release, as subsequent weather changes hindered further photography. The resolution of the Cartosat satellite used for these images is less than one meter.

2. Utilization of the Cartosat-2 Series in Military Operations:

One of the satellites in the Cartosat series has been used by the Indian armed forces during surgical strikes and the Balakot airstrike on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. These satellites play a crucial role in monitoring the country’s borders and have also been employed during border conflicts with China.

3. Applications of Observation Satellites:

The observation satellites are part of the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) program, a crucial initiative by ISRO aimed at facilitating the nation’s land-based development. These satellites serve two key purposes: land information systems and geographic information systems. Their images and data are processed and managed at the National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC) in Hyderabad.

4. Construction of the Shri Ram Mandir with ISRO’s Assistance:

ISRO’s powerful satellite technology enables the capture of clear images of objects smaller than one meter in size. The Larsen & Toubro (L&T) company, responsible for constructing the temple, obtained coordinates based on the Global Positioning System (GPS), ensuring accurate information about the temple complex. ISRO’s indigenous GPS system, NavIC, played a significant role in providing precise coordinates with an accuracy of 1-3 centimeters.

5. The Role of GPS in Coordinating the Temple’s Construction:

The NavIC GPS system, part of the Indian constellation, utilized signals to determine the temple’s location and coordinates. This enabled the construction company to have precise information about the temple complex and ensured accuracy in the construction process.

FAQs:

1. Which satellite captured the image of Ayodhya and the Shri Ram Mandir?

   • The image was captured by a satellite from the Cartosat-2 series.

2. How has the same satellite been used in military operations?

   • The Indian armed forces utilized this satellite during surgical strikes and the Balakot airstrike in Pakistan.

3. What are observation satellites, and how do they assist in land development?

   • Observation satellites are part of ISRO’s IRS program and aid in land information systems and geographic information systems, contributing to the country’s overall development.

4. How did ISRO’s technology assist in the construction of the Shri Ram Mandir?

   • ISRO’s satellite technology enabled the capture of clear and detailed images, and their indigenous GPS system, NavIC, provided precise coordinates for the temple’s construction.

5. What is the accuracy of the coordinates obtained using GPS during the temple’s construction?

The coordinates obtained using GPS had an accuracy of 1-3 centimeters, ensuring precise information for the construction process.