Sriharikota: Risat-2B, the ‘spy’ satellite that was launched on Wednesday, uses the same synthetic aperture radar (SAR) like the Risat-2 that was launched in the aftermath of the Mumbai 26/11 terror attacks.
The SAR is a technology that allows high-resolution radar images to be formed from data acquired by side-looking radar instruments carried by a satellite.
Risat-1 was the first indigenous microwave remote sensing satellite designed and developed by Isro.
Its data was extensively used for applications in the areas of agriculture, particularly paddy monitoring in Kharif season and disaster management support, especially during natural disasters like floods and cyclones.
The satellite has accomplished its mission objectives. Anomalies were observed towards the end of five-year mission and the satellite is not operational.
Risat-2B will help the armed forces detect infiltration on border and LoC. It enhanced the country’s capability in the disaster management support as well.
A former scientist of Isro said that launch of Risat had given the country indigenous radar imaging.
India needed many such satellites to compete with advanced nations which have more advanced satellites for defence surveillance purposes.
