India launches Low Earth Observation satellite

Mumbai: India successfully launched a low earth observation satellite Wednesday to enhance surveillance capabilities, officials reported.

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle the (PSLV-C46) launched the RISAT-2B satellite from the state of Andhra Pradesh, according to the country’s space agency, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

“RISAT-2B is a radar imaging earth observation satellite weighing about 615 kilograms (1,350 pounds). The satellite is intended to provide services in the field of Agriculture, Forestry and Disaster Management,” the agency said in a statement.

The statement quoted ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Sivan as saying, “With this launch, PSLV lofts 50 tonnes to space by launching 354 satellites, including national, student and foreign satellites.”