Enumerate the key features of RISAT- 2B and discuss its significance towards India�s space programme.

ISRO has launched the RISAT-2B, the radar imaging earth observation satellite on 22 may 2019. It is an all-weather spy satellite. It will replace its predecessor RISAT-2 which has been actively used by India to monitor activities in terror camps across the border in Pakistan.
Features of RISAT-2B:

• It is a light weight satellite weighing around 615-kg.
• It features an X-band SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar).
• It will be launched into a 37� inclined orbit at 555 km orbital height.
• Its altitude is 557 km above the ground.
• The mission carried a complex 3.6-metre radial antenna.
• It also tested a new low-cost light Vikram processor which will control future ISRO launch vehicles.
• It is orbiting in the planned position in space, with an inclination of 37�.
• The spy satellite has a life span of five years.

Significance of RISAT-2B

• Disaster Management Support: It will map the disaster prone areas and send immediate alert to specific department to act upon.
• Weather forecast information: As it is equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR), it can sense or �observe� Earth in a special way from space day and night, rain or cloud.
• Comprehensive Vigil: It will add to the reconnaissance capability from about 500 km in space. A constellation of such space-based radars means a comprehensive vigil.
• Benefits to army: It will monitor activities in terror camps across the border in Pakistan. This would enhance the country’s surveillance capabilities many times.

Apart from defence purposes, the Radar Imaging Satellite would also be used for surveillance, agriculture, forestry and disaster management support.�This is a very important mission for India. It is an excellent satellite with hi-fi earth observation capabilities.