The joint Indo‑French mission TRISHNA is slated for launch in the next 12‑16 months, according to Jasvinder Singh Khoral, Director (Projects) at the URSC. The mission follows earlier India‑France collaborations such as Megha‑Tropiques and SARAL and will be placed in orbit by the PSLV.
Key Developments
- Launch expected within 12‑16 months (by late 2027).
- URSC will build the satellite bus; CNES will supply half of the payloads.
- Two primary instruments: TIR payload (CNES) and VNIR‑SWIR payload (ISRO).
- Open‑data policy: scientific data will be freely disseminated worldwide.
- Joint data processing centres in India and France.
Important Facts
The mission’s objective, as stated by Nagalakshmi A.M., Project Director of TRISHNA, is to improve water‑resource management through high‑resolution short‑wave and thermal infrared Earth observation. By delivering high spatial and temporal resolution data, TRISHNA will enable accurate surface‑energy budgeting from regional to global scales.
Exam Relevance
Understanding TRISHNA helps aspirants in several GS papers:
- GS3 – Environment & Ecology: The satellite’s thermal and VNIR‑SWIR data are crucial for monitoring climate variables, water stress, and land‑use changes.
- GS3 – Science & Technology: Highlights India’s growing capability in international space collaborations and the role of agencies like ISRO and CNES.
- GS4 – Ethics & Governance: The open‑data policy reflects transparency and shared scientific responsibility, aligning with global best practices.
Way Forward
Post‑launch, the focus will shift to data validation, integration with existing Indian remote‑sensing programmes, and capacity building for state water‑resource agencies. Continuous collaboration between Indian and French scientists will ensure that the high‑resolution datasets are effectively used for climate adaptation, agricultural planning, and disaster management. Aspirants should track the launch timeline, payload performance, and policy outcomes as they illustrate India’s strategic use of space technology for sustainable development.