May 28, 2019
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launches RISAT-2B, an advanced radar imaging satellite, to enhance India's surveillance capabilities.
Sriharikota, India | ISRO
On May 22, 2019, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the RISAT-2B satellite, an advanced radar imaging satellite, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. This launch marked a significant step in enhancing India’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
RISAT-2B is part of the Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT) series, which are designed to provide all-weather surveillance using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology. The RISAT series was developed in response to the need for improved surveillance capabilities following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which highlighted gaps in India’s ability to monitor its borders and coastal areas.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): The satellite is equipped with an X-band SAR, which allows it to capture high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or time of day. This capability is crucial for monitoring areas that are frequently obscured by clouds or darkness.
Enhanced Surveillance: RISAT-2B’s advanced imaging capabilities enable it to provide detailed reconnaissance data, which is vital for national security, disaster management, and agricultural monitoring.
Versatile Applications: Beyond defense, the satellite’s data can be used for a variety of civilian applications, including crop monitoring, forestry, soil moisture estimation, and disaster management.
Launch Vehicle: The satellite was launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C46), a reliable workhorse of ISRO known for its versatility and success in deploying satellites into various orbits.
Orbit: RISAT-2B was placed into a sun-synchronous orbit, which allows it to maintain consistent lighting conditions for imaging, making it ideal for surveillance and monitoring purposes.
The successful deployment of RISAT-2B significantly bolstered India’s ability to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance operations. It provided the Indian military and intelligence agencies with a powerful tool for monitoring the country’s borders and coastal regions, enhancing national security.
Additionally, the satellite’s data supports various civilian applications, contributing to better resource management and disaster response. The launch of RISAT-2B exemplifies ISRO’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to leveraging space assets for national development and security.
The launch of RISAT-2B on May 22, 2019, represents a milestone in India’s space program, showcasing ISRO’s technological prowess and its strategic importance in enhancing the country’s surveillance infrastructure. This advancement underscores India’s commitment to utilizing space technology for both defense and civilian purposes, reinforcing its position as a key player in the global space community.
Source: www.isro.gov.in