# IRS-1C

> Indian Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14174557](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14174557)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IRS-1C)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/irs-1c

## Summary
IRS-1C is an Indian Earth observation satellite launched on December 28, 1995. It was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for remote sensing applications and operated in a Sun-synchronous orbit. The satellite was launched using a Molniya-M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

## Key Facts
- Country of origin: India
- Operator: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- Launch date: December 28, 1995
- Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- Launch vehicle: Molniya-M
- Orbit type: Sun-synchronous orbit
- COSPAR ID: 1995-072A
- Satellite Catalog Number (SCN): 23751
- Instance of: Earth observation satellite
- Wikipedia languages: English, Indonesian, Marathi

## FAQs
### Q: What is IRS-1C used for?
A: IRS-1C is an Earth observation satellite designed for remote sensing and monitoring terrestrial resources. It collects data useful for agriculture, forestry, geology, and disaster management.

### Q: Who launched IRS-1C and when?
A: IRS-1C was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on December 28, 1995. The launch took place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Molniya-M rocket.

### Q: Where was IRS-1C launched from?
A: IRS-1C was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 in Kazakhstan. This launch site has been historically used for various international missions involving Russian launch systems.

## Why It Matters
IRS-1C represents a significant milestone in India's space program, marking advancements in domestic Earth observation capabilities. As part of ISRO’s Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite series, it contributed critical data for resource mapping, environmental monitoring, and urban planning across India. Its deployment enhanced national self-reliance in acquiring timely and accurate geographic information without depending solely on foreign satellites. By improving access to remote sensing data, IRS-1C played a foundational role in supporting scientific research, policy-making, and sustainable development initiatives within the country.

## Notable For
- Part of India's operational Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite series
- Launched using a foreign launch system (Molniya-M), reflecting early international collaboration
- Contributed high-resolution optical imagery for civilian and governmental use
- Strengthened India's autonomous capability in Earth observation during the mid-1990s
- Operated in Sun-synchronous orbit enabling consistent global coverage under uniform lighting conditions

## Body
### Mission Overview
IRS-1C is an Earth observation satellite belonging to the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) program managed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was primarily intended for multi-spectral remote sensing applications including land and water resource monitoring.

### Technical Specifications
- Designed for operations in Sun-synchronous orbit
- Equipped with optical sensors capable of capturing multi-spectral images
- Provided spatial resolution suitable for regional-scale earth observation tasks

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date:** December 28, 1995  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Molniya-M  
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31, Kazakhstan  

The choice of the Molniya-M launch vehicle highlights early cooperation between India and Russia in space technology utilization.

### Operational Role
As part of the IRS constellation, IRS-1C supported government agencies and researchers in domains such as:
- Agricultural monitoring
- Forest cover assessment
- Geological surveys
- Flood and drought impact analysis

Its contributions were instrumental in shaping policies related to natural resource management and environmental conservation in India.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report