New Delhi, May 22: ISRO (Indian Space Reseach Organization) has on Wednesday morning successfully launched its RISAT-2B, a satellite to observe radar-imaging earth, with the help of workhouse PSLV-C46 from the Sriharikota spaceport nearby Chennai.
15 minutes after the satellite’s launch into the flight, the rocket put the RISAT-2B into orbit at around 557 km, according to Sputnik news reports.
The satellite holds a significant role for the Indian Armed forces, as an IAF (Indian Air Force) official has reportedly claimed one of Mirage 2000s had missed its target during an aerial strike in Balakot, Pakistan, by IAF over the suspected terror camps due to bad weather on February 26.
The RISAT-2B satellite is capable of capturing images even in a cloudy condition and offer much-needed assistance to track hostile activities near the western and northern Indian border.
🇮🇳 #ISROMissions 🇮🇳
For those who missed watching the launch live, take a look at the majestic lift-off of #PSLVC46!
Mission accomplished successfully! pic.twitter.com/Nec1XkQ7bt
— ISRO (@isro) May 22, 2019
With Wednesday’s successful launch, India cost-effective PSLV rocket has crossed the landmark of lofting of 50 tonnes since it started flying.
After the successful launch, the ISRO chairman said, “The rocket had a piggy bank payload, the indigenously developed Vikram computer chip that will be used in the future rockets.”
ISRO has stated the RISAR-2B satellite will assist to monitor forestry, disaster and agriculture zones.
ISRO officials have said more than six satellites have been prepared in the coming months to build a constellation of the space-based radars providing a comprehensive cover over the nation.