The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) have done it again successfully! Yes, the ISRO’s PSLV-C-12 has successfully put two satellites – the Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-2) and ANUSAT – into orbit today morning.

Carrying the RISAT 2 and ANUSAT, the PSLV-C-12 rocket was blasted off at 6.45 am from Sriharikota spaceport. The RISAT 2 is an all-weather spy satellite, which is aimed to boost to the defence surveillance capabilities of India, while ANUSAT is an experimental mini communication satellite developed by Anna University in Chennai.

The 300 kg RISAT-2, equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) built by the Israel Aerospace Industries, will mainly keep 24-hour surveillance on the borders of the country and will help security forces in anti-infiltration and anti-terrorist. The RISAT-2 will work for three years. The 40 kg ANUSAT will be helpful in drought and wasteland monitoring, urban planning and other studies. The mini communication satellite will work for one year.    

After the successful launch, the jubilant ISRO Chairman, G Madhavan said, “The year 2009 has started off well. The final moments of the launch were more thrilling than a cricket match as we hit a few boundaries and bowled some googlies….Both the satellites have been delivered into the orbits."