OceanSat-1 was the first Indian satellite built specifically for oceanographic applications. The satellite carried an Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) and a multi-frequency scanning microwave radiometer.[3] Oceansat-1 was launched on board a PSLV rocket on 26 May 1999.[4]
It was capable of detecting eight spectrums ranging from 400 nm to 885nm, all in the visible or near infrared spectrums.[5] The second, the Multi-frequency Scanning Microwave Radiometer, collects data by measuring microwave radiation passing through the atmosphere over the ocean.[6] This offers information including sea surface temperature, wind speed, cloud water content, and water vapour content.[1][6]
Although initially launched with a lifespan of 5 years, Oceansat-1 completed its mission on August 8, 2010, after serving for 11 years and 2 months.
Oceansat-2 is designed to provide service continuity for operational users of the Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) instrument on Oceansat-1 and enhance the potential of applications in other areas.[7]
A swath width of 1420km is provided. An along-track instrument tilt capability of ±20º is provided to avoid sun glint.[8]
Satellite was launched aboard a PSLV-CA on 23 September 2009.[9]
SCATSAT-1 was launched in 2016[10] after SCAT (Scanning scatterometer) on Oceansat-2 became dysfunctional after its life span of four-and-a-half years. SCATSAT carries a Ku-band scatterometer similar to the one on Oceansat-2.[11]
Oceansat-3 was launched on 26 November 2022,[12] Oceansat-3 will provide continuity to operators of OCM and enhanced ability in other applications by way of simultaneous Sea Surface Temperature (SST) measurements.[13][14] As of March 2021, ISRO and CNES completed interface control document to accommodate Argos in Oceansat-3.[15]
↑Recent Advances In Environmental Science. Discovery Publishing House. 1 January 2003. p.350. ISBN978-81-7141-679-0.
12Sastry, Hari Ram Subrahmanya; Ebenezer, D. D.; Sundaram, T. V. S. (2002). Proceedings of theInternational conference on SonarSensors of Systems, Vol. 2. Allied Publishers. p.635. ISBN978-81-7764-382-4.