# Bhaskara-II

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q25264](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25264)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bhaskara-ii-q25264

## Summary
Bhaskara-II is an Earth observation satellite launched by India in 1981 as part of the Bhaskara program. It was designed to study Earth from low Earth orbit, contributing to India's early efforts in space-based remote sensing. The satellite had a mass of 444 kilograms and operated in a near-polar orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 20, 1981
- **Mass**: 444 kilograms
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit (LEO) with an orbital inclination of 50.7 degrees
- **Apoapsis**: 557 kilometers
- **Periapsis**: 541 kilometers
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M (a Russian rocket)
- **Launch Site**: Kapustin Yar, Soviet Union
- **Operator**: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- **Manufacturer**: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- **Named After**: Bhāskara II, a 12th-century Indian mathematician and astronomer
- **Deorbit Date**: 1991
- **COSPAR ID**: 1981-115A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Bhaskara-II?
A: Bhaskara-II was an Earth observation satellite designed to study Earth's surface and atmosphere from low Earth orbit, contributing to India's early space-based remote sensing efforts.

### Q: Who launched Bhaskara-II?
A: Bhaskara-II was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on November 20, 1981, using a Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar in the Soviet Union.

### Q: How long did Bhaskara-II operate?
A: Bhaskara-II remained operational until 1991, when it deorbited.

### Q: What was unique about Bhaskara-II's orbit?
A: Bhaskara-II had a near-polar orbit with an inclination of 50.7 degrees, allowing it to cover a wide range of latitudes for Earth observation.

### Q: What was the significance of Bhaskara-II in India's space program?
A: Bhaskara-II was part of India's Bhaskara program, which marked the country's early advancements in satellite technology and Earth observation, paving the way for future missions like Bhaskara-I and Bhaskara-III.

## Why It Matters
Bhaskara-II holds historical significance as India's first dedicated Earth observation satellite, launched as part of the Bhaskara program. It demonstrated India's capability in satellite technology and remote sensing, contributing to early efforts in environmental monitoring and scientific research. The satellite's operation in a low Earth orbit with a near-polar inclination allowed comprehensive coverage of Earth's surface, providing valuable data for atmospheric and surface studies. Bhaskara-II's mission laid the groundwork for India's subsequent advancements in space-based Earth observation, including the development of more advanced satellites like Bhaskara-I and Bhaskara-III. Its legacy continues to influence India's space research and applications, particularly in areas such as climate monitoring, disaster management, and resource assessment.

## Notable For
- **First Indian Earth Observation Satellite**: Bhaskara-II was India's first dedicated satellite for Earth observation, marking a significant milestone in the country's space program.
- **Pioneering Remote Sensing**: It contributed to early efforts in remote sensing and environmental monitoring, providing critical data for scientific research.
- **Collaborative Launch**: The satellite was launched using a Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar, showcasing international collaboration in early space missions.
- **Named After a Legend**: Bhaskara-II was named after Bhāskara II, a renowned 12th-century Indian mathematician and astronomer, honoring his contributions to science.
- **Operational Longevity**: The satellite remained operational until 1991, demonstrating the reliability and durability of India's early satellite technology.

## Body
### Overview
Bhaskara-II was an Earth observation satellite developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Launched on November 20, 1981, it was part of India's Bhaskara program, which aimed to advance satellite technology and remote sensing capabilities. The satellite had a mass of 444 kilograms and was designed to operate in a low Earth orbit (LEO) with an orbital inclination of 50.7 degrees.

### Launch and Orbit
Bhaskara-II was launched using a Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar in the Soviet Union. The satellite's orbit had an apoapsis of 557 kilometers and a periapsis of 541 kilometers, allowing it to cover a wide range of latitudes for Earth observation. The orbital parameters were carefully chosen to ensure comprehensive data collection for scientific and environmental monitoring purposes.

### Mission Objectives
The primary objective of Bhaskara-II was to study Earth's surface and atmosphere from orbit. It was equipped with instruments designed to gather data on various environmental and atmospheric parameters, contributing to India's early efforts in space-based remote sensing. The satellite's mission supported scientific research and environmental monitoring, providing valuable insights into Earth's processes.

### Operational History
Bhaskara-II remained operational until 1991, when it deorbited. During its operational period, it played a crucial role in India's space program by demonstrating the feasibility of Earth observation from orbit. The satellite's success paved the way for future advancements in satellite technology and remote sensing, including the development of more advanced satellites like Bhaskara-I and Bhaskara-III.

### Legacy
Bhaskara-II's legacy includes its contribution to India's early advancements in satellite technology and Earth observation. The satellite's mission laid the groundwork for subsequent space-based remote sensing efforts, influencing India's approach to environmental monitoring and scientific research. Its historical significance is reflected in its role as a pioneer in India's space program, honoring the legacy of Bhāskara II, the 12th-century mathematician and astronomer.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/Spacecraft/bhaskara-ii)