New Delhi [India]: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that the Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) sensor aboard its EOS-06 satellite has successfully captured phytoplankton concentration on a global scale.
In a post on X, ISRO stated, “OCM sensor in EOS-06 captures Phytoplankton concentration on global scale. Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) sensor of EOS-06 captures chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration in global scale at a frequency of 2 days. The below image shows global product generated at 1 km resolution using data for the period Jan-Dec 2024. Ocean colour observations helps in gathering valuable information on bio-geo chemical variability of oceans in a global scale.”
OCM sensor in EOS-06 captures Phytoplankton concentration on global scale
— ISRO (@isro) February 6, 2025
Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) sensor of EOS-06 captures chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration in global scale at a frequency of 2 days.
The below image shows global product generated at 1km resolution using… pic.twitter.com/2fMgRQ1yeC
EOS-06, also known as Oceansat-3, is the third-generation satellite in India’s Oceansat series. It was launched to continue and enhance the services provided by its predecessor, Oceansat-2. The satellite is equipped with advanced instruments designed to support ocean studies and environmental monitoring.
Among its key payloads is the Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM-3), which plays a crucial role in tracking oceanic biological activity. Additional instruments on board include the Sea Surface Temperature Monitor (SSTM), the Ku-Band Scatterometer (SCAT-3), and ARGOS, a data collection system for environmental observations.
According to a previous ISRO statement, “The EOS-06 is envisaged to observe ocean colour data, sea surface temperature and wind vector data for use in oceanography, climatic, and meteorological applications. The satellite also supports value-added products such as potential fishing zones using chlorophyll, SST, and wind speed, as well as land-based geophysical parameters. The primary satellite (EOS-06) has been separated in Orbit-1.”
The mission ensures the continuous collection of ocean colour and wind vector data, supporting research in marine ecosystems and climate change studies. By incorporating additional datasets—such as sea surface temperature and more optical and infrared bands for fluorescence and atmospheric corrections—the satellite aims to improve the accuracy of oceanographic studies and environmental monitoring.
Another key objective of EOS-06 is to refine data algorithms and processing methods, enabling better forecasting and analysis of climate patterns, fisheries, and weather changes. The satellite was launched aboard the PSLV-C54 rocket from ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), India, with a separating mass of 1,117 kg.
This mission plays a vital role in advancing scientific research on oceanic and atmospheric dynamics, furthering ISRO’s commitment to monitoring climate change, marine ecosystems, and global weather patterns.