Isro launches new earth observation satellite; to be used for surveillance

RISAT-2B (Radar Imaging Satellite-2B), an earth observation satellite, was placed into orbit early on Wednesday by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro).

It was launched at 5:30 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, off the southern Andhra coast, about 100 km from here. About 15 minutes into flight, the rocket placed RISAT-2B into orbit.

Isro Chairman K Sivan said: “This is an important mission for India. It is an excellent satellite, with hi-fi earth observation (capabilities).”

Isro says the application would help agriculture and forestry, and also support disaster management. Experts say the satellite would also be