The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch RISAT-2BR1, the latest in a series of all-weather surveillance satellites, from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on 22 May, reports Business Today.
The satellite is a lighter version of the RISAT-2, with improved observation and imaging capabilities.
The RISAT-2BR1 will reportedly be launched using ISRO's indigenously developed Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C46. India’s latest cartography satellite Cartosat-3 and other small defence satellites will also be part of the payload.
About the RISAT Series
Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT) is a series of satellites developed by ISRO, intended to provide all-weather surveillance round the clock. The satellites use synthetic aperture radars (SAR) to create two and three dimensional images of landscapes.
The first of the series, RISAT-1, was designed to provide images for application in agriculture, forest cover monitoring and management of natural disasters like floods and cyclones. It was launched in April 2012.
The RISAT-2, is a reconnaissance “spy” satellite which is capable of monitoring Indian borders to detect infiltration. ISRO officially maintains that it is for “earth observation” and “disaster management applications.” The satellite was launched in April 2009, before the RISAT 1, as its development was reportedly fast-tracked after the 2008 attack on Mumbai.
Before the RISAT series, India used to rely on optical imaging satellites which could not see through heavy cloud cover.
India is also gearing up to launch Chandrayaan 2 in July 2019, its second mission to the moon. Read about it here.
(With inputs from Business Today.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)