ISRO Launches RISAT-2A, Boosting Surveillance Capabilities”

Why in News: The launch bolsters India’s reconnaissance capabilities amid Line of Actual Control (LAC) tensions with China. It builds on ISRO’s 2024 successes (e.g., EOS-08), underlining India’s space tech advancements.

Why Important:

Prelims: ISRO missions (RISAT series), satellite types (radar vs. optical), PSLV launches—frequent prelims fodder.

Mains: GS-III – Enables evaluation of space technology’s role in national security and disaster resilience (e.g., “How does ISRO’s satellite program enhance India’s strategic capabilities?”). Reflects India’s self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in tech.

Key Points about RISAT-2A

Launch Details:

• RISAT-2A was launched on March 22, 2025, aboard the PSLV-C59 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
• The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) deployed the satellite into a precise orbit, showcasing ISRO’s reliability in space missions.

Purpose and Functionality:

• RISAT-2A is a radar imaging satellite designed to provide all-weather, day-night surveillance, capable of penetrating clouds, fog, and darkness using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology.
• It enhances India’s capabilities in border security, monitoring strategic areas, and disaster management by delivering high-resolution imagery.

Technical Specifications:

• The satellite boasts a resolution of 5 meters, allowing for detailed imaging of small objects and terrain features.
• It operates in the C-band microwave frequency, ensuring robust performance regardless of weather conditions.

Strategic Importance:

• The launch strengthens India’s reconnaissance capabilities amid regional security concerns, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, where real-time monitoring is critical.
• It supports disaster response by providing timely data for events like floods, cyclones, or landslides, building on the legacy of previous RISAT missions.

Context in RISAT Series:

• RISAT-2A is a successor to earlier radar satellites like RISAT-2 (launched in 2009) and RISAT-1 (2012), but with upgraded resolution and technology.
• It follows the success of EOS-04 (RISAT-1A) in 2022, reflecting ISRO’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its Earth observation network.