The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to launch its 101st satellite, the Earth Observation Satellite RISAT-18, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61) on May 18, 2025. This mission aims to enhance India’s surveillance and disaster management capabilities.ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced the launch, emphasizing that the agency’s missions are driven by national needs and are designed to ensure the safety and security of the country. He highlighted that ISRO’s programs are not in competition with other nations but are focused on meeting India’s diverse requirements in fields such as agriculture, disaster management, and national security.
The RISAT-18 satellite, equipped with advanced Earth observation capabilities, will provide high-resolution images in all weather conditions, day or night. This will significantly bolster India’s ability to monitor its borders and manage natural disasters effectively.
The launch is scheduled to take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 6:59 AM IST.
This mission follows ISRO’s 100th successful rocket launch in January 2025, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history. Chairman Narayanan also noted that ISRO has ambitious plans to accelerate its launch frequency, aiming to reach 200 missions within the next five years.