ISRO launches radar-imaging satellite from Sriharikota

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday achieved a major milestone as its trusted launch vehicle PSLV embarked on its 50th mission by launching advanced radar-imaging earth satellite, RISAT-2BR1, aimed at strengthening country’s border surveillance.

PSLV-C48, the 50th mission of the ISRO’s warhorse launch vehicle PSLV, also launched nine customer satellites belonging to the US (6), Israel (1), Italy (1), and Japan (1).

The satellites lifted off from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota, about 120 km from here, at 3.25 PM. A little after 16 minutes, the RISAT-2BR1 was separated from the launch vehicle and placed into its intended orbit. In the next four minutes, the remaining satellites belonging to other countries were also placed into the orbit.

The mission was successfully completed in 21 minutes as all 10 satellites were put into orbit – it marked a major milestone and a historic occasion for the ISRO as the launch was 50th for PSLV and 75th from SDSC, Sriharikota.

Apart from strengthening the country’s border surveillance, radar imaging earth observation satellite RISAT-2BR1, weighing about 628 kg, will be useful for various applications in agriculture, forestry, and disaster management support.

“The ISRO has carried out a historical mission today. We are extremely happy that in its 50th launch, the PSLV has successfully injected the RISAT-2BR1 precisely into the 576 km orbit. Along with the historical mission, we also celebrate the 75th launch from Sriharikota,” ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan said in his speech after the successful launch.

As PSLV achieved golden jubilee, Sivan recalled the contributions by scientists, including former ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair, who helped in building the PSLV. He also said the PSLV currently has five variants and from 850 kg, the launch vehicle can now carry 1.9 tonnes.

“RISAT-2BR1 is a very advanced and complex satellite built by the satellite team of ISRO. We have more missions to do,” Dr Sivan said. He also released a book marking 50 launches of the PSLV launch vehicle.

Sources said the imaging satellite is armed with X-band synthetic aperture radar and can work effectively round the clock in all weather conditions and can see through cloud cover. The satellite will have a life of five years.