The Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite (HySIS) is a hyperspectral Earth observation minisatellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to provide imaging services and insights into Indian agriculture, forestry, coastal zone assessments, and other geological environments. HySIS, which was launched in November 2018, used visible (VIS), near infrared (NIR), and shortwave infrared (SWIR) surface imaging to achieve its objectives. In this article, we will discuss in detail regarding Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

What is ISRO’s Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite?

• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) created HySIS, a full-fledged hyperspectral Earth Observation (EO) satellite set to launch in 2018.
• The HySIS is intended to provide the country with hyperspectral imaging services for a variety of applications such as agriculture, forestry, and assessment of coastal zones, inland waters, soil, and other geological environments, among others.
• The primary satellite of the PSLV-C43 mission, HySIS, weighs approximately 380 kg and is an Earth observation satellite built around ISRO's Mini Satellite-2 (IMS-2) bus.
• The primary goal of HysIS is to study the Earth's surface in the visible, near-infrared, and shortwave infrared spectrums.
• HySIS is a Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite that will provide users with global coverage on a regular basis while supplementing data from existing multispectral sensors.
• HySIS is equipped with two pushbroom imagers, one of which captures images in the Visible Near Infrared (VNIR) range and the other in the Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) range.
• They are used for Earth observation imagery and are equipped with an optical imaging detector array chip developed by ISRO's Space Application Centre (SAC).
• HysIS houses communications and imaging payloads on the ISRO Mini Satellite-2 bus (IMS-2).
• The mission, which was launched in 2018 on a PSLV-C43 vehicle and was designed to have a five-year lifespan, with an expected end date of 2023.
• On December 2, 2018, the first light image from HySIS was acquired at the NRSC (National Remote Sensing Centre) in Hyderabad, covering parts of Lakhpat in Gujarat, India.

HyperSpectral Imaging Satellite

Other HyperSpectral Satellites in Space

1) EO-1 (NASA)

• NASA launched the EO-1 satellite in 2000, carrying the "Hyperion" hyperspectral sensor.
• In 242 spectral bands, Hyperion produced images with a resolution of 30 metres. Hyperion was a pioneer in hyperspectral imaging from space.

2) PROBA-1 (ESA)

• ESA launched the Project for Onboard Autonomy (PROBA-1) in 2001.
• It was equipped with the CHRIS (Compact High-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer) for medium-resolution hyperspectral imaging.
• At 34m GSD, its hyperspectral mode produced 63 bands. It could, however, be reconfigured to 150 bands with pixel resolution.

3) PRISMA (Italy)

• PRISMA, a medium-resolution hyperspectral satellite, was launched in 2019.
• It is Italy's first of its kind and will help with crop classification, resource management, and environmental monitoring.
• PRISMA (PRecursore IperSpettrale Della Missione Applicativa) generates 250 bands with a GSD of 30m.

4) EnMap (Germany)

• In 2020, Germany launched the Environmental Mapping and Analysis Programme (EnMap).
• This hyperspectral satellite has 228 bands with a GSD of 30m.

5) HISUI (Japan)

• ALOS-3 is equipped with the Hyperspectral and Multispectral Imager (HISUI).
• This Japanese hyperspectral sensor has 185 bands and a resolution of 30m GSD.

6) HyspIRI (Unites States)

• The Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI) is scheduled to launch in 2024.
• It will be outfitted with a VSWIR imaging spectrometer with a GSD of 60m.

Significance of HyperSpectral Imaging Satellite

• The primary goal of HySIS is to study the Earth's surface in the visible, near-infrared, and shortwave infrared spectrums.
  • Visible band includes imagery, vegetation, chlorophyll, and sediments.
  • Near Infrared includes atmosphere, cloud cover, vegetation land cover transformation.
  • Thermal Infrared includes sea surface temperature, forest fires, volcanoes, cloud height, total ozone.
• From 630 km above ground, a hyperspectral imaging satellite can see in 55 spectral or colour bands.
• By reading the spectrum for each pixel of a scene from space, 'Hyspex' imaging allows for the distinct identification of objects, materials, or processes on Earth.
• It can be extremely useful in distinguishing a suspect object or person from the background. This could help detect transborder or other covert movements.
• It can be used for a variety of purposes, including monitoring atmospheric activity and climate change, studies of the Earth's magnetic field, agriculture, forestry, water management, coastal patterns,search for oil and minerals, military surveillance, etc.

Applications of HyperSpectral Imaging Satellite

Agriculture

• Hyperspectral imaging serves as a potent tool for monitoring crop health, identifying nutrient deficiencies, and detecting diseases before visible symptoms emerge.
• This contributes to enhanced agricultural productivity and resource management.

Environmental Monitoring

• The technology enables the identification of pollutants, oil spills, land cover changes, and habitat disruptions.
• Such insights bolster environmental management, conservation, and disaster response strategies.

Geological Surveys

• Hyperspectral imaging aids in identifying minerals, rock formations, and geological structures, supporting geological surveys, resource exploration, and infrastructure planning.

Disease Detection and Management

• The early detection of crop diseases through hyperspectral imaging aids in timely interventions, reducing yield losses and minimizing the use of agrochemicals.

Flood Monitoring and Assessment

• The technology enables real-time monitoring of flood-prone regions, assessment of flood extent, and evaluation of potential impacts on communities and infrastructure. This aids in timely evacuation and relief efforts.

Forest Fire Detection and Management

• Hyperspectral data can pinpoint areas vulnerable to forest fires, facilitating rapid detection, containment, and effective deployment of firefighting resources.

Infrastructure

• Identifying issues in infrastructure assets such as railway tracks, dams, and highways by assessing differences in composition/quality and alerting relevant stakeholders.

Conclusion

Hyperspectral Imaging Satellites epitomize the fusion of cutting-edge technology with practical applications. India's strides in this field have not only contributed to its space capabilities but have also led to advancements in various sectors, from agriculture to disaster management. As we gaze towards the future, the continued evolution of hyperspectral imaging promises to unveil new layers of insight about our planet and further strengthen India's position as a space-faring nation.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the key feature of Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite (HYSICS)?

A) It captures images only in visible light
B) It captures images in multiple narrow spectral bands
C) It uses radar to capture images
D) It uses sonar for image detection

2. In which of the following fields can HYSICS be used?

A) Agriculture
B) Forestry
C) Water resource management
D) All of the above

3. Which organization developed the Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite (HYSICS)?

A) NASA
B) European Space Agency (ESA)
C) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
D) Russian Space Agency

4. How does HYSICS contribute to environmental monitoring?

A) By providing detailed images of Earth’s surface
B) By detecting pollution and land degradation
C) By monitoring deforestation and water quality
D) All of the above

5. What is the advantage of using hyperspectral imaging over traditional satellite imaging?

A) It captures images at a higher resolution
B) It provides more detailed information across many spectral bands
C) It requires less data storage
D) It is cheaper to operate

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role of Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite (HYSICS) in supporting sustainable development. How does it enhance environmental monitoring?

Answer: Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite (HYSICS) plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable development by providing precise data for environmental monitoring. It helps in tracking land use changes, deforestation, pollution levels, and water quality, thus aiding in informed policymaking for sustainable development. The satellite captures a wide range of spectral data, which can be used to monitor vegetation health, agricultural productivity, and soil moisture. Additionally, it contributes to disaster management by detecting and mapping areas affected by natural calamities. Its data is essential for formulating strategies to mitigate climate change impacts and manage natural resources sustainably.

Q2: Explain how hyperspectral imaging can improve the accuracy of environmental assessments compared to traditional imaging techniques.

Answer: Hyperspectral imaging improves the accuracy of environmental assessments by capturing data across hundreds of narrow spectral bands, compared to the broader bands used in traditional imaging systems. This detailed spectral data allows for precise identification and differentiation of materials on Earth’s surface, including vegetation types, soil moisture levels, and water quality parameters. Traditional imaging often lacks the granularity needed for accurate analysis in complex environments. By providing more detailed information, hyperspectral imaging enables better detection of subtle environmental changes, offering a more comprehensive assessment of ecosystems, land use, and pollution levels.

Q3: How does the integration of Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite (HYSICS) into Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) satellite program contribute to India’s technological and environmental goals?

Answer: The integration of Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite (HYSICS) into ISRO’s satellite program strengthens India’s technological capabilities by enhancing its Earth observation systems. HYSICS provides high-resolution data that supports a wide range of applications such as environmental monitoring, disaster management, and natural resource management. It also aids in improving agricultural productivity, monitoring water resources, and tracking deforestation. By advancing remote sensing technology, ISRO can contribute to India’s environmental goals, particularly in managing natural resources, protecting biodiversity, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The satellite helps in formulating policies for sustainable development by providing accurate data for decision-making.

Previous Year Questions on Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite

1. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Explain the role of remote sensing satellites like HYSICS in environmental monitoring and disaster management."

Answer: Remote sensing satellites like HYSICS play a significant role in environmental monitoring by providing real-time data on land use, deforestation, pollution, and water resources. HYSICS’ ability to capture hyperspectral images in multiple bands allows for precise monitoring of vegetation health, soil moisture, and urban development. It also aids in disaster management by providing accurate mapping of affected areas during floods, droughts, or natural calamities. The detailed data from HYSICS supports timely interventions and helps in assessing the damage caused by disasters, facilitating effective response and recovery efforts.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "What are the benefits of using hyperspectral imagery for monitoring the environment? How does it assist in natural resource management?"

Answer: Hyperspectral imagery offers numerous benefits for environmental monitoring, such as higher accuracy in detecting specific materials, monitoring vegetation health, and assessing water quality. By capturing images across a wide range of spectral bands, it enables more precise classification of land cover and vegetation types, detecting early signs of environmental stress like drought or disease. In natural resource management, hyperspectral imagery aids in monitoring agricultural lands, forests, water bodies, and mineral deposits. It supports sustainable development by providing data that enhances resource management strategies, ensuring optimal utilization and conservation of natural resources.