# Cartosat-3

> PSLV C-47

**Wikidata**: [Q2940663](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2940663)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartosat-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cartosat-3

## Summary
Cartosat-3 is an Indian Earth observation satellite launched on November 27, 2019, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C47). It is designed for high-resolution imaging to support land and resource mapping, urban planning, and disaster management. The satellite operates from a 500 km altitude in a sun-synchronous orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 27, 2019 (reference: Q6272367).
- **Launch Vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C47).
- **COSPAR ID**: 2019-081A (reference: Q328).
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 44804 (reference: Q6272367).
- **Primary Instrument**: Panchromatic camera with 0.25-meter resolution.
- **Operational Applications**: Land use mapping, crop monitoring, and infrastructure planning.
- **Operator**: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous at 500 km altitude.
- **Status**: Operational as of last update.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Cartosat-3 launched?
A: Cartosat-3 was launched on November 27, 2019, using the PSLV-C47 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India.

### Q: What is the main purpose of Cartosat-3?
A: Its primary purpose is to provide high-resolution imagery for land and resource mapping, urban planning, and disaster response, supporting India’s national development programs.

### Q: What makes Cartosat-3 unique compared to earlier satellites?
A: It features a advanced Panchromatic camera with 0.25-meter resolution, among the highest for Indian Earth observation satellites at the time of launch.

## Why It Matters
Cartosat-3 represents a significant advancement in India’s Earth observation capabilities, offering detailed imagery critical for infrastructure development, agricultural monitoring, and disaster management. Its high-resolution data supports strategic planning and policy-making at national and regional levels. As part of ISRO’s Cartosat series, it enhances India’s self-reliance in satellite technology and contributes to the global Earth observation network. The satellite’s imagery aids in addressing challenges such as deforestation, urban sprawl, and climate change impacts, making it a vital tool for sustainable development initiatives.

## Notable For
- **High-Resolution Imaging**: 0.25-meter Panchromatic sensor for detailed terrain mapping.
- **Advanced Optics**: Uses foldable mirror technology for compact design and improved performance.
- **Versatile Imaging Modes**: Captures stereoscopic imagery for 3D modeling and change detection.
- **Long-Term Mission**: Designed for a 5-year operational lifespan with extendable capabilities.
- **Part of the Cartosat Series**: Continues ISRO’s legacy of Earth observation satellites, including Cartosat-1 (2005) and Cartosat-2 (2007).

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
Cartosat-3 was launched on November 27, 2019, at 09:22 UTC aboard the PSLV-C47 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. The mission also deployed 12 secondary payloads, including nano-satellites from the U.S., UAE, and others.

### Mission Objectives
- **Primary Goal**: To provide high-resolution imagery for large-scale mapping, including:
  - Land use/land cover classification.
  - Crop yield estimation.
  - Coastal and inland water mapping.
  - Disaster damage assessment (e.g., floods, landslides).

### Technical Specifications
- **Instrument**: Panchromatic camera with 0.25-meter spatial resolution and 16 km swath width.
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous circular orbit at 500 km altitude, inclination of 97.44°.
- **Design Life**: 5 years (extendable based on orbital maintenance).
- **Mass**: Approximately 1,200 kg at launch.

### Operational Status
As of 2023, Cartosat-3 remains operational, transmitting data to ISRO’s ground stations in India. Its imagery is commercially distributed through Antrix Corporation, ISRO’s commercial arm, for both domestic and international users.

### Legacy
Cartosat-3 builds on the success of the Cartosat-2 series, improving resolution and data quality. It complements other ISRO satellites like Resourcesat and RISAT, forming a robust Earth observation network. The mission underscores India’s growing role in the global commercial satellite imaging market.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report