PSLV-C46 launched RISAT-2B, a Radar imaging earth observation military satellite into a precise orbit. The launch vehicle soared into the sky at 0530 hrs IST from the First Launch Pad (FLP) of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.

In a textbook launch RISAT-2B satellite was placed into an orbit of 555 km at an inclination of 37 degree. RISAT-2B that would enhance the country's surveillance capabilities among others.

PSLV-C46 is the 14th flight of PSLV in 'Core-Alone' configuration (without the use of solid strap-on motors) and the 48th mission overall of the PSLV,. This was the 72nd launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota and the 36th launch from the First Launch pad. With this mission PSLV has achieved the milestone of launching 50 tons of payload into space.

ISRO Chairman K Sivan had earlier described the mission as a "very, very important" one for the country.

"This is a very, very important mission for India. It is an excellent satellite with hi-fi earth observation (capabilities)," he said in a television broadcast from the space port.

The RISAT-2B is equipped with synthetic aperture radar that can take pictures of the earth during day and night, and also under cloudy conditions. With a mission life of five years, the satellite would also be used for military surveillance, ISRO sources said.

The RISAT-2 has been actively used by India to monitor activities in camps across the border in Pakistan to thwart infiltration bids by terrorists.

As done in PSLV-C45 launch, ISRO has also made provision for public to view the launch from recently opened Viewer’s gallery at Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota.

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