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UPSC RISAT-2 - English

RISAT-2

Why in News?

Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) RISAT (Radar Imaging Satellite)-2 satellite has made an uncontrolled re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.

• The principal sensor of Risat-2, considered a ‘spy’ satellite, was an X-band synthetic-aperture radar from Israel Aerospace Industries.
• Risat-2 was built more quickly following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks due to delay with the indigenously developed C-band for Risat-1 satellite. The satellite, which was India's first dedicated reconnaissance satellite, possessed day-night as well as all-weather monitoring capability.
• It was also used to track hostile ships at sea that were deemed a military threat.

Launch: Risat-2, weighing about 300 kg was launched on April 20, 2009, by the PSLV-C12 launch vehicle.

Significance:

• Risat-2 provided beneficial payload data for over 13 years.
• Since its injection, Risat-2’s radar payload services were provided for various space applications.
• Risat-2 is a clear example of ISRO’s capability to carry out spacecraft orbital operations in an efficient and optimal way.
• As Risat-2 re-entered within 13.5 years, it complied with all necessary international mitigation guidelines for space debris, showing the space agency’s commitment towards the long-term sustainability of outer space.

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