RISAT-1A successfully launched by ISRO aboard PSLV-C52: All you need to know

RISAT-1A Satellite: In the early hours of Monday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its radar imaging satellite RISAT-1A which is codenamed EOS-4, ISRO's first launch under the new chairperson S. Somanath and first launch of 2022.  The two co-passengers-- INSPIREsat-1 and INS-2TD-- were successfully separated from the PSLV in a predetermined sequence.

After a flight of about 19 minutes, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C52 injected Earth Observation Satellite EOS-04, into an intended sun-synchronous polar orbit of 529 km altitude at 6:17 a.m. on February 14 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota. This was the 80th launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota, 54th flight of PSLV, and the 23rd flight of PSLV in XL configuration (6 strap-on motors). 

Launch of PSLV-C52/EOS-04 https://t.co/naTQFgbm7b

— ISRO (@isro) February 13, 2022

EOS-04 satellite aboard PSLV-C52 lifted off at 5:59 a.m. on February 14 from the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The countdown for the same started at 4:29 a.m. on February 13 post the authorisation by the launch authorisation board. 

About RISAT-1A

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C52 launched Risat-1A into a sun-synchronous polar orbit of 529km. PSLV-C52 also carried two small satellites-- INSPIREsat-1 and INS-2TD.

The satellite is designed to provide high-quality images under all-weather conditions for applications such as agriculture, forestry and plantations, soil moisture and hydrology and flood mapping. The radar imaging satellite will also boost India's border security by facilitating an additional eye in the sky.  

Weighing about 1710 kg, the satellite generates 2280 W power and has a mission life of 10 years. 

About INSPIREsat-1 and INS-2TD

INSPIREsat-1 is a student satellite which is made by the students of IIST in collaboration with the Laboratory of Atmospheric & Space Physics at the University of Colorado, Boulder, US, while INS-2TD is a technology demonstrator satellite from ISRO and is a precursor to INS-2B. The India-Bhutan Joint Satellite's launch was scheduled for 2021 but couldn't make it to be onboard the previous PSLV-C51 flight due to technical glitches. 

Decommissioning of INSAT-4B

The upcoming launch was announced hours after INSAT-4B was decommissioned by India. The communication satellite was launched in 2007 aboard Arianespace’s Ariane 5 rocket and provided service for 14 years. 

According to ISRO, INSAT-4B has undergone post-mission disposal (PMD) at the end of its life, followed by decommissioning on 24 January 2022, to comply with the UN and the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee-recommended space debris mitigation guidelines. 

The successful PMD of INSAT-4B marks yet another endeavour by ISRO to ensure the safety and sustainability of outer space operations, the space agency added.

Other launches this year

After RISAT-1A, three satellites OCEANSAT-3, INS-2B, ANAND will be launched aboard PSLV-C53 in March and Micro SAT onboard Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in April this year. 

The launch of GSAT-24 which is a communication satellite is also scheduled during the first quarter of 2022 aboard the Arianespace's Ariane 5.

Also Read | List of Indian Satellites