Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on successful launch of earth observation satellite RISAT-2B.
India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C46) today successfully launched the RISAT-2B satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. This was the 72nd launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota and 36th launch from the First Launch pad.
“Congratulate ISRO – Indian Space Research Organisation on successful launch of earth observation satellite #RISAT2B on-board #PSLVC46. It will serve as an eye in the sky for the nation, augmenting country’s surveillance capabilities in the field of defence, agriculture, forestry and disaster management,” tweeted Patnaik.
PSLV-C46 lifted-off at 5.30 am from the First Launch Pad and injected RISAT-2B into an orbit of 556 km, about 15 minutes and 25 seconds after lift-off. After separation, solar arrays of RISAT-2B were deployed automatically and ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Bengaluru assumed control of the satellite. In the coming days, the satellite will be brought to its final operational configuration.
RISAT-2B is a radar imaging earth observation satellite weighing about 615 kg. The satellite is intended to provide services in the field of Agriculture, Forestry and Disaster Management.
“With this launch, PSLV lofts 50 tonnes to space by launching 354 satellites, including national, student and foreign satellites,” said ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan.
A total number of 5,000 visitors witnessed the launch live from the Viewer’s Gallery, which is opened to the public.
ISRO is now gearing up for the launch of Chandrayaan-2 onboard GSLV MkIII during the window of July 9 to July 16 with an expected Moon landing on September 6, 2019.
