The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT)-2 satellite recently made headlines for its uncontrolled reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere. The predicted impact point was located in the Indian Ocean near Jakarta. Before this event, the RISAT-2 had served as India’s first surveillance satellite, keeping an eye on the country’s borders as part of anti-infiltration and anti-terrorist operations.
Unveiling the Spy Satellite: RISAT-2
The principal sensor of Risat-2, tagged as a ‘spy’ satellite, was an X-band synthetic-aperture radar from Israel Aerospace Industries. Notably, the construction of Risat-2 was expedited following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks due to the delay with the indigenously developed C-band for Risat-1 satellite. As India’s premiere dedicated reconnaissance satellite, RISAT-2 offered unique day-night as well as all-weather monitoring capability. This functionality includes tracking hostile ships at sea that were considered a military threat.
The Launch and Highlights of RISAT-2
Weighing about 300 kg, Risat-2 was launched on April 20, 2009, by the PSLV-C12 launch vehicle. RISAT-2 provided beneficial payload data for over 13 years, profoundly impacting various space applications with its radar payload services. A testament to ISRO’s technical prowess and efficiency, RISAT-2 demonstrated spacecraft orbital operations in an optimal manner. Furthermore, by re-entering within 13.5 years, it met all international mitigation guidelines for space debris, reflecting the space agency’s commitment to the long-term sustainability of outer space.
The Upcoming Space Missions of ISRO?
The Indian Human Spaceflight Programme, also known as Gaganyaan, is one of the remarkable upcoming projects by ISRO. In addition to this, another mission on ISRO’s agenda is Aditya-L1, which is designed to study the Sun’s atmosphere. The space agency will also collaborate with NASA for the Synthetic Aperture Radar Mission. This joint endeavour aims to investigate global environmental changes and hazards. ISRO has another significant project in the pipeline – Shukrayaan-1, an orbiter intended for Venus.
Reflecting on a Previous UPSC Question
In the 2018 Civil Services Examination, a question concerning India’s satellite launch vehicles was asked. The question required candidates to identify correct statements about PSLVs, GSLVs, and GSLV Mk III, with options focusing on their purpose, operational characteristics and usage of rocket engines.
