The 71-hour countdown for the Radar Imaging Satellite--RISAT 1 that would be kept in orbit by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle has begun this morning at Sriharikota by ISRO.

It has to be noted here that the launch of the satellite is scheduled to take place at 5.47 AM on April 26 from Satish Dawan Space Centre in Sriharikota  of Andhra Pradesh.

This rocket will put microwave remote sensing satellite RISAT-1 (Radar Imaging Satellite) into the orbit. This satellite weighs 1,850 kg and is country’s indigenous product.

While PSLV has launched so many satellites into the orbit, no satellite weighed more than Risat. PSLV will put this Risat into orbit after travelling about 536 kilometres. Once successfully launched, Risat will send signals to ISRO only after 25 days.

With the help of high resolution cameras fixed in the satellite, RISAT will send across the photographs related to the climate year long. The best of the satellite is that it will even be acting as a spy satellite by keeping a close watch on the terrorist and suspicious activities in the country.

It has to be mentioned here that India has so far depended on Canadian satellite for clear images. (Phani)