ISRO successfully launches third remote sensing satellite Resourcesat-2A

The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launched the remote sensing satellite, Resourcesat-2A using its workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launched the remote sensing satellite, Resourcesat-2A using its workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), on Wednesday.

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s launch vehicle blasts off carrying a remote sensing satellite, Resourcesat-2A, from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on December 7, 2016. (PIB/Twitter)

The launch vehicle blasted off at around 10:30 am from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

The satellite was earlier planned for launch on November 28.

ISRO began a 36-hour countdown on Monday night.

The launch completes the fourth stage (PS4) of the PSLV-C36, the 38th flight of the launch vehicle.

The satellite -- a follow up mission to Resourcesat-1 and Resourcesat-2, launched in 2003 and 2011 respectively -- is intended for continuing the resource monitoring data services to global users.

The satellite’s payload includes a high resolution Linear Imaging Self Scanner (LISS-4) camera operating in three spectral bands, medium resolution LISS-3 camera operating in three-spectral bands and one in Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) band, and coarse resolution Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) camera operating in three spectral bands and one band in SWIR, with specified spatial resolutions, ISRO said.

Resourcesat-2A also carries two solid state recorders with a capacity of 200 Giga Bits, each to store the images taken by its cameras which can be read out later to ground stations, it added.

The spacecraft mass is around 1,200 kg with a power generation capacity of 1,250 W and a mission life of five years.