India’s Radar Imaging Satellite 2B, or RISAT 2B, is a remarkable accomplishment – a radar reconnaissance satellite that forms an integral element of the nation’s RISAT programme. The project has been successfully undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), with the satellite scheduled for launch on May 22, 2019, via the PSLV-C46 rocket.
Overview and Features of RISAT 2B
The RISAT 2B boasts impressive specifications – an assembly mass of 615 kg, an operational lifespan of five years and an X-band SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar). The Indian Space Research Organisation has designed this satellite to be inserted into a 37° inclined orbit at an altitude of 555 km.
Furthermore, this year promises to be monumental for India’s space initiatives as not one, but three satellites from the same category are being readied for lift-off. Yes, RISAT 2BR1 and RISAT 2BR2 are also earmarked for a 2019 launch onboard Indian PSLV launch vehicles.
Significance of Radar Imaging Satellites
The true game-changing ability of radar imaging satellites lies in their unique perception capability. While standard remote-sensing or optical imaging satellites operate akin to a light-dependent camera, which can’t discern hidden objects in cloudy or dark situations, satellites equipped with an active sensor like the SAR can ‘observe’ Earth in a unique way, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions.
Constructing a radar imaging satellite is incredibly complex, as is the interpretation of the images it produces. But these challenges haven’t deterred Indian scientists. In fact, the launch will mark the resumption of the Indian chain of all-seeing radar imaging satellites after seven years. Moreover, it bolsters reconnaissance capabilities from approximately 500 km in space. A constellation of such space-based radars translates to comprehensive surveillance over the country.
| Satellite | Mass | Lifespan | Orbital Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| RISAT 2B | 615 kg | 5 years | 555 km |
| RISAT 2BR1 | To be announced | To be announced | To be announced |
| RISAT 2BR2 | To be announced | To be announced | To be announced |
Applications of Radar Imaging Satellites In India
In India, the applications of radar imaging are vast and significant. It has been used extensively for crop estimation, considering that the primary crop growing season coincides with the monsoon season, which often causes cloudy conditions. Moreover, this data has been crucial for forestry, soil, land use, geology assessments, as well as during floods and cyclones.
Due to the all-weather seeing feature, the satellite holds a particular significance for security forces and disaster relief agencies, providing them with valuable and reliable information for planning and executing operations.
