India launches RISAT-2B Surveillance Satellite Into Orbit

Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): India on Wednesday successfully placed into orbit radar imaging earth observation satellite RISAT-2B, the third in the RISAT series — after RISAT-2 and RISAT-1. A total of about 5,000 visitors viewed the early morning launch from the viewers gallery here.

The new all-weather earth observation satellite with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) will send good clarity images for use in agriculture, forestry and disaster management support, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the country’s space agency. The images captured by the satellite will also be used for surveillance purposes, though the ISRO is silent on this aspect. At 5.30 a.m., the PSLV rocket standing around 44.4 metres tall and weighing about 190 ton with a one-way ticket hurtled itself towards the skies ferrying the 615 kg RISAT-2B.

With the fierce orange flame at its tail lighting up the morning skies, the rocket slowly gathered speed and went up and up enthralling the people at the rocket port while the rocket’s engine noise like a rolling thunder added to the thrill. About 15 minutes into the flight the rocket ejected RISAT-2B into about 555-km orbit. Speaking about the successful satellite launch, K.Sivan, ISRO Chairman said: “I am extremely happy to announce that PSLV-C46 has successfully injected RISAT-2B in precise orbit.” He said with this mission, the PSLV rocket has crossed a landmark of lofting of 50 ton since it started flying.

Sivan said: “The rocket had a piggyback payload, the indigenously developed Vikram computer chip that will be used in future rockets.” According to the ISRO chairman, RISAT-2B is an advanced Earth Observation satellite with an advanced technology of 3.6 metre radial rib antenna. (IANS)

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