RISAT-1 data will be downlinked at KSAT ‘s Ground Station in Svalbard (Svalsat) and further processed in Tromsø. Due to its north location, the SvalSat ground station is the only station in the world providing worldwide coverage with the shortest possible global delay between actual acquisition stop time and downlink time. With this configuration, KSAT is able to offer RISAT-1 image delivery and value added products worldwide in near real time – typically within 1 hour.
RISAT-1 is a readily accessible source of SAR imagery, previously used primarily for land-based applications on the Indian subcontinent but now widely available for both terrestrial and maritime use. A variety of ScanSAR and Stripmap beam modes are possible in resolutions ranging from 3 to 50 meters and scene widths from 25 to 220 kilometers;
- FRS-1: Fine Resolution Stripmap Mode-1: 3m resolution, 25 km swath
- FRS-2: Fine Resolution Stripmap Mode-2: 9m resolution, 25 km swath
- MRS: Medium Resolution ScanSAR Mode: 25m resolution, 115 km swath
- CRS: Coarse Resolution ScanSAR Mode: 50m resolution, 220 km swath
In addition to the traditional linear polarizations widely available on commercial SAR satellites, RISAT-1 opens a new dimension across a wide range of applications by offering a unique circular polarization. The conventional SAR single/dual polarization combinations do not fully exploit the vector nature of a scattered wave, resulting in an unnecessary loss of information. By transmitting a signal with this unique circular polarization and receiving simultaneous linear polarization returns, a hybrid mode is achieved which provides additional information to improve sea ice characterization, moisture estimation, crop & land classification, forestry, ship detection and oil spill.
RISAT-1 expands the KSAT portfolio of SAR missions to an impressive nine options, all of which are available in near real time. Regardless of location the delivery of imagery and/or value-added services typically occurs less than an hour from the local satellite pass. KSAT’s inherently multi-mission approach to satellite services continues to deliver critical information to a wide variety of applications; from detecting oil spills and illegal fishing activity, to monitoring ice conditions, crop diversity and forest health.
RISAT-1 is owned by the Government of India and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). ANTRIX who owns the commercial rights has granted KSAT the right to schedule acquisitions, download, process, and deliver RISAT-1 imagery to commercial users worldwide.
RISAT-1 is fully operational and available in near real-time from KSAT. Contact us today for more information or to schedule new acquisitions.