Science behind Operation Sindoor: India used satellite images to choose targets in Pak, PoK

The success of Operation Sindoor was achieved by the deployment of a wide range of national and international space assets. From satellite images to useful data, the Indian armed forces used space tech to neutralise several terror camps and Pakistani air bases last week.

According to a report by the Times of India, a senior Isro official said, “All of our strategic assets were put to use in different ways by our armed forces for Operation Sindoor. Our teams have been working round the clock and we are proud that Isro could help our forces in missions important for the country.”

Another Indian Space Research Organisation official told the news outlet that while the army accessed Indian assets that are directly available to them, the space agency also provided “repeatable” data from global companies like Maxar.

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“While data from our satellites from the Cartosat series and others were also used for planning, images were procured from Maxar,” a senior official said. Indian armed forces also have access to satellite data provided by Sentinel from Europe.

Which Indian assets were used?

Isro’s Cartosat family of satellites yields high-resolution imagery and dual-use (image & video) capabilities and has been a part of India’s military intelligence toolkit for a long time.

“Indian satellites provide periodic data – with downloads of specific areas possible about once in 14 days. This data was made use of, while they used commercial data that’s available once a day too,” one of the officials said.

In addition to the Cartosat series, the Risat satellites likely contributed radar imagery valuable for monitoring movement, while the Gsat series served communication purposes. India’s NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) was deployed along with other global GPS systems for the operation.

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Satellites for safety

Meanwhile, Isro Chairman Dr V Narayanan has said that 10 satellites are continuously working for a strategic purpose to ensure the safety and security of the country’s citizens.

“Today, 433 satellites of 34 countries are lifted from India and placed into orbit…I am also happy to inform you that today, 10 satellites are continuously working 24/7 for a strategic purpose to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the country,” he assured.

Narayanan also said, “If we have to ensure the safety of our country, we have to serve through our satellites. We have to monitor our 7,000 km-long seashore. We have to monitor the entire northern part continuously. Without satellite and drone technology, we can’t achieve that.”

With inputs from agencies