---
title: "Cartosat Series: ISRO Mapping Satellites | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Cartosat series is ISRO's constellation of Earth-observation satellites used for high-resolution imaging and strategic surveillance since 2005."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/cartosat-series"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Cartosat series is a constellation of Indian Earth-observation satellites operated by ISRO for cartography, high-resolution imaging, and strategic surveillance since 2005.
- How does the Cartosat series differ from the Resourcesat and RISAT series?
- Is Cartosat a civilian or military satellite programme?
- What resolution does the latest Cartosat satellite achieve?
- How has Indian policy on high-resolution imagery changed for Cartosat data?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Cartosat series is a constellation of Indian Earth-observation satellites operated by ISRO for cartography, high-resolution imaging, and strategic surveillance since 2005.

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## Timeline

1. 5 May 2005

   The programme traces its institutional origin to ISRO's earth-observation roadmap formulated under the Department of Space, with the first satellite, Cartosa…

2. 10 January 2007

   Cartosat-2, launched , improved to sub-metre-class panchromatic resolution near 0.8 metre, and its successive 2-series spacecraft (2A in 2008, 2B in 2010, an…

3. 27 November 2019

   Cartosat-3, launched aboard PSLV-C47, reached a panchromatic ground sampling distance near 0.25 metre, among the sharpest civilian-grade optical resolutions…

4. 26 February 2019

   Strategically, Indian defence and intelligence agencies reportedly used Cartosat-2-series imagery to assess targets ahead of the Balakot airstrike of and th…

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Example

ISRO launched Cartosat-3 aboard PSLV-C47 on 27 November 2019, delivering panchromatic imagery at roughly 0.25-metre resolution for cartographic and strategic surveillance use.

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