ISRO launches 'cloud-proof' earth observation spy satellite RISAT-2B to keep an eye on Pakistan

Indian space research agency (ISRO) today successfully launched an earth observation spy satellite RISAT-2B that can take high resolution images of the earth during day and night, and also under cloudy conditions to keep an eye also on terror camps across the border in Pakistan.
Dubbed as an all-weather 'spy' satellite, RISAT-2B (Radar Imaging Satellite-2B) will replace its predecessor RISAT-2 which has been actively used by India to monitor activities in terror camps across the border in Pakistan to thwart infiltration bids by terrorists. RISAT was launched in 2009.

This would enhance the country's surveillance capabilities many times. The satellite is equipped with a synthetic aperture radar that can take pictures in any condition.

"This is a very, very important mission for India. It is an excellent satellite with hi-fi earth observation (capabilities)," ISRO Chairman K Sivan told PTI.

The spy satellite has a life span of five years. The introduction of a new RISAT series satellite will enhance India's defence capabilities to monitor the cross border activities.

Apart from defence purposes, the Radar Imaging Satellite would also be used for surveillance, agriculture, forestry and disaster management support.

Currently, India use RISAT-2 satellite to monitor activities in camps across the border in Pakistan to thwart infiltration bids by terrorists. India also has high-resolution optical imaging CartoSAT satellites, but it gets blinded by dense cloud cover.

RISAT-2B uses X-band synthetic aperture radar that gives addition details such as size of objects on Earth, structures, movement and change.

ISRO plans to launch almost half a dozen all-weather radar imaging Risat satellites in the next one year.

India had launched Risat-2 in 2009 and Risat-1 satellites in 2012, which helped security and intelligence agencies to plan surgical strike in 2016 on terror launchpads in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and the Balakot aerial strike in February this year.