The Hindu : Front Page : Surveillance satellite put in orbit by PSLV

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Tuesday, Apr 21, 2009
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Surveillance satellite put in orbit by PSLV

T.S. Subramanian

Photo: K. Pichumani

PRECISE MISSION: The PSLV-C12 blasts off with RISAT-2 and Anusat on board from Sriharikota on Monday. —

CHENNAI: In a flawless mission, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C12) on Monday put in orbit Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-2), a surveillance satellite, which could keep a watch on the country’s borders.

This is the first time the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is putting in orbit a RISAT in the micro-wave band. It can take images of the earth day and night, see through clouds and identify objects on the ground.

The 300-kg RISAT-2 has been procured from Israel. Anusat, built by Anna University, Chennai, was also put in orbit by the PSLV-C12.

It is an experimental communication satellite meant for storing and relaying information.

Asked whether the RISAT-2’s synthetic aperture radar operating in the X-band meant that it would be used for defence applications, ISRO Chairman G. Madhavan Nair said, “There is nothing like a spy satellite in our agenda. We have only earth observation, communication and scientific satellites.”

The RISAT-2 could precisely look at water bodies and vegetation. Its images would have wide ramifications in managing disasters such as cyclones, floods and landslips.

It would also be “a powerful tool” in estimating the paddy acreage.

However, informed sources said the RISAT-2 would be used for surveillance purposes and its images would be used for identifying arms caches, bunkers, etc.

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