Adding another feather to its cap, the Indian Space Research Agency (ISRO) successfully launched an earth observation spy satellite RISAT-2B today. The new satellite that can take high-resolution images during any time of the day, even under cloudy conditions, will boost India’s all-weather surveillance capabilities.
#PSLVC46 ? lifts-off carrying RISAT-2B, a Radar imaging earth observation satellite from SHAR,Sriharikota.#ISRO pic.twitter.com/UaESnzbny9
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 22, 2019
The earth observation satellite was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C46) blasted off at 5.30 am on its 48th mission, carrying the 615 kg satellite.
This satellite is equipped with a sensor known as ‘synthetic aperture radar’. The device works just like a camera flashlight and uses radio signals to obtain images of the earth instead of visible light.
The satellite would be used for military surveillance and other applications such as agriculture, forestry and disaster management support.
“This is a very, very important mission for India. It is an excellent satellite with hi-fi earth observation (capabilities),” exclaimed ISRO Chairman K Sivan.
?? #ISROMissions ??#PSLVC46 successfully injects #RISAT2B into Low Earth Orbit.
Here’s the view of #RISAT2B separation captured by our onboard cameraOur updates will continue. pic.twitter.com/WUTBdNH2XJ
— ISRO (@isro) May 22, 2019
India has been steadily strengthening its space power during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. We had reported earlier how former ISRO chairman G. Madhavan Nair who had praised PM Modi for the successful launch of the A-SAT missile had received death threats by Jaish-e-Mohammed warning him not to support the PM.
