TRISHNA satellite is in advanced stage of realisation, says ISRO official
TRISHNA is the third satellite that India and France are developing after Megha-Tropiques and SARAL (Satellite with ARGOS and ALTIKA) satellites.
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Context
The and the French space agency are in the advanced stages of developing the satellite, slated for launch in 12-16 months via the . This Earth observation mission will focus on high-resolution thermal imaging to improve water resource management and monitor surface energy budgets globally, marking the third major joint satellite mission between the two nations.
UPSC Perspectives
Science & Technology
The satellite represents a significant advancement in Earth Observation capabilities. It utilizes a dual-payload system: a Thermal Infra-Red (TIR) payload from and a Visible-Near Infra-Red Short Wave Infra-Red (VNIR-SWIR) payload from . This combination enables high spatial (detailed imagery) and high temporal (frequent revisit) resolution monitoring of the Earth's surface temperature and emissivity. From a UPSC perspective, understanding the function of these specific infrared bands is crucial; TIR is vital for measuring heat (thermal radiation) emitted by the Earth, directly linking to surface energy budgets and evapotranspiration rates. The mission's reliance on the workhorse underscores India's self-reliance in space launch capabilities. Furthermore, the commitment to an open data policy is a significant feature, ensuring that the scientific data generated is accessible globally, fostering international collaboration in environmental research.
Environmental
The primary objective of —better management of water resources—aligns directly with critical global environmental challenges. By accurately mapping surface temperature and biophysical variables, the satellite will provide vital data for assessing evapotranspiration (the sum of evaporation from the land surface plus transpiration from plants). This data is essential for precision agriculture, drought monitoring, and understanding the urban heat island effect. For UPSC Mains (GS-3), this mission can be cited as a technological intervention in managing water stress, a key issue for India given its agrarian economy and climate vulnerabilities. The high-resolution data will also aid in monitoring coastal zones and inland waters, contributing to broader sustainable development goals by enabling data-driven policies for water conservation and agricultural planning.
International Relations
The mission exemplifies the robust strategic partnership between India and France, particularly in the space sector. Following the successful joint missions Megha-Tropiques (studying the tropical atmosphere) and SARAL (oceanographic studies), solidifies the long-standing collaboration between and . This partnership is a cornerstone of India's space diplomacy, demonstrating mutual trust in sharing sensitive payload development and data processing responsibilities. For GS-2, this relationship highlights how bilateral ties can move beyond traditional defense and economic cooperation into critical high-technology areas, addressing shared global challenges like climate change and resource management. The joint data processing in both nations further signifies the integrated nature of this technological alliance.