MUMBAI: Imageries from the two panchromatic cameras on board Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) latest satellite, Cartosat-1 were received at National Remote Sensing Agency's Data Reception Station at Shadnagar, near Hyderabad. Detailed analysis confirms the excellent performance of the cameras.

Cartosat-1 carries two panchromatic cameras that take black-and-white stereoscopic pictures in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The imageries have a spatial resolution of 2.5 metre and cover a swath of 30 km.

ISRO, meanwhile, has claimed that as many as four countries have shown interest in using Cartosat-1's applications. The four countries are China, Japan, Germany, and the UAE.

The second satellite launched, Hamsat had its UHF/VHF (Mode-B) transponder switched on 6 May. With this, Amateur Radio Operators (Ham) worldwide have witnessed hectic activities. Hams are sending their feedback on the performance of the satellite. E-mails have been received from Hams in India, Canada, USA, Malaysia, Australia, Germany, Brazil, UK, Italy and Spain, confirming excellent quality of transmission by Hamsat both in terms of power and clarity, states an Isro release.

The 42.5 kg Hamsat, built by Isro as a contribution to Ham operators, was launched as a piggyback satellite along with Cartosat-1. The satellite was oriented properly in its orbit and stabilized at the specified spin rate of 4.3 rpm on 5 May.

Reportedly, Cartosat-1 has cost approximately Rs 2.5 billion, while Hamsat cost Rs 30 million. Another Rs 750 million was spent on the launch vehicle. The newly built launching facility at Sriharikota has cost the nation approximately Rs 4 billion.

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