Satellite with advanced technology

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C46) has launched the RISAT-2B satellite for imaging earth observation and provide services in the field of Agriculture, Forestry and Disaster Management.

“RISAT-2B is a radar imaging earth observation satellite weighing about 615 kg. The satellite is intended to provide services in the field of Agriculture, Forestry and Disaster Management,” said Department of Space.

Launched on 22 May 2019, it is the 72nd launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on 22 May 2019.

PSLV-C46 lifted-off at 05:30 Hrs (IST) from the First Launch Pad and injected RISAT-2B into an orbit of 556 km, about 15 minutes and 25 seconds after lift-off.

After separation, solar arrays of RISAT-2B were deployed automatically and ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Bengaluru assumed control of the satellite. In the coming days, the satellite will be brought to its final operational configuration.

ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan congratulated the launch vehicle and satellite teams involved in the mission. “With this launch, PSLV lofts 50 tonnes to space by launching 354 satellites, including national, student and foreign satellites.”

Dr. K Sivan also commended the efforts of the team involved in the realization of the piggyback payload carried onboard this mission namely, Vikram processor and low-cost MEMS based Inertial Navigation System (INS) developed by Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh and ISRO Inertial Systems Unit, Thiruvananthapuram, respectively.

“RISAT-2B is an advanced Earth Observation satellite with an advanced technology of 3.6m radial rib antenna”, he added.

ISRO is now gearing up for the launch of Chandrayaan-2 onboard GSLV MkIII during the window of 9-16 July 2019, with an expected Moon landing on 6 September 2019. fiinews.com