Radar Imaging Satellite 2B (RISAT-2B) is an indigenously developed Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Imaging Satellite operating in the X-band. It was developed by ISRO and launched on 22 May 2019. It weighs around 615 Kg and utilised PSLV-C46 as the launch vehicle, which was 48th flight of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and a core alone flight (without strap-on boosters).
Background
In the past decade, ISRO has launched two satellites in the RISAT series, beginning in 2009 with the Israeli-built RISAT 2, and the second one, RISAT 1, in 2012. The RISAT 1 is no longer operational. According to the space agency, it will launch 4-5 more such satellites in 2019 to form a constellation and substantially increase the country’s capabilities.
Significance of RISAT-2B
RISAT-2BR1 Successfully Launched by ISRO On 11th December, India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) successfully launched RISAT-2BR1 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.It also carried nine commercial satellites; six from the USA and one each from Israel, Italy and Japan. These international customer satellites were launched under a commercial arrangement with New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The launch also marks multiple milestones: It was PSLV’s 50th mission (PSLV-C48), 75th launch vehicle mission from SDSC and 2nd flight of PSLV in ‘QL’ configuration (with 4 solid strap-on motors). RISAT-2BR1
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Applications of RISAT-2B
Spot Imaging: The Satellite will be used for high resolution spot imaging of locations of interest.