PIB - Earth Observation Satellite RISAT-2B

Introduction :-

ISRO launched RISAT 2B, the all-weather imaging satellite that boosts the capability to image earth resources as well as enhance surveillance and security. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C46) successfully placed the satellite in its orbit from the First Launch Pad at Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR on Wednesday.

About RISAT-2B :-

1. The RISAT-2B is a radar imaging earth observation satellite. 
2. It is intended to provide services in the field of agriculture, forestry and disaster management.  
3. The radar imaging satellite can observe and image the earth from about 500 km.  

Improved version :-

• According to ISRO, the images taken by RISAT-2B would be used for applications in agriculture, forestry and disaster management support. 
• It has a sensor called the ‘Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)’, which takes high-quality radar images. Globally, security agencies use the images and services of such satellites.
• The X-band synthetic aperture radar can also provide added details such as size of objects on earth, structures, movement and change, which complements the data that is being gathered through the normal optical remote-sensing satellites. 
• The biggest advantage is that ground imageries can be collected during rains and despite dust, clouds or darkness and during all seasons, thus ensuring continuous and reliable data.

Things to Remember :-

1. RISAT-2B is an indigenously developed Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Imaging Earth Observation Satellite.
2. It is intended to provide services in the field of agriculture, forestry and disaster management.
3. SAR - It is used to create two-dimensional images or three-dimensional reconstructions of objects, such as landscapes.
4. Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)- Location - SriHarikota - Andhra Pradesh