# Cartosat-2A

> military satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q844892](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q844892)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartosat-2A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cartosat-2a

## Summary
Cartosat-2A is an Indian military Earth observation satellite launched on April 28, 2008. It was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes. The satellite operates in a Sun-synchronous polar orbit and was launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-CA.

## Key Facts
- Launched on **April 28, 2008** from the **Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad**
- Operated by the **Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)**
- Designed for **military use**, specifically **Earth observation** and surveillance
- Placed into a **Sun-synchronous orbit** and a **polar orbit**
- Launched aboard the **Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-CA (PSLV-CA)**
- COSPAR ID: **2008-021A**
- Also known as **CARTOSAT-2A** or **CartoSat 2A**
- Classified under both **military satellite** and **Earth observation satellite**

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cartosat-2A used for?
A: Cartosat-2A is a military Earth observation satellite used for surveillance and reconnaissance. It provides high-resolution imagery to support defense and strategic applications.

### Q: Who built and operates Cartosat-2A?
A: The satellite was developed and is operated by the **Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)**, India’s national space agency.

### Q: When was Cartosat-2A launched?
A: Cartosat-2A was launched on **April 28, 2008**, from the **Satish Dhawan Space Centre** in India using the PSLV-CA launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
Cartosat-2A plays a critical role in India's national security infrastructure by providing high-resolution optical imagery for military and strategic purposes. As part of ISRO’s broader Cartosat series, it enhances India’s autonomous capability in Earth observation, reducing reliance on foreign satellites for sensitive intelligence gathering. Its deployment reflects India’s growing emphasis on space-based defense technologies and strengthens its position in the global domain of military space assets. The satellite also contributes to dual-use capabilities, supporting civilian mapping and monitoring efforts alongside its primary military function.

## Notable For
- One of ISRO’s early dedicated **military Earth observation satellites**
- Launched using the **PSLV-CA**, a variant of India’s reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
- Operates in a **Sun-synchronous polar orbit**, ideal for consistent Earth imaging
- Supports **high-resolution surveillance**, contributing to India’s strategic autonomy in defense intelligence
- Part of the broader **Cartosat program**, which includes both civilian and military platforms

## Body

### Mission Overview
Cartosat-2A is a remote sensing satellite with a primary mission focused on **military surveillance**. It delivers high-resolution panchromatic imagery suitable for tactical intelligence and reconnaissance operations.

### Development and Operator
The satellite was developed and is maintained by the **Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)**. ISRO has positioned itself as a leader in cost-effective satellite technology, and Cartosat-2A exemplifies its dual-use approach—supporting both civilian and defense objectives.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: April 28, 2008  
- **Launch Site**: Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-CA (PSLV-CA)  
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch on April 28, 2008  

### Orbital Characteristics
Cartosat-2A operates in:
- **Sun-synchronous orbit**, enabling regular revisits to the same geographic locations
- **Polar orbit**, allowing near-global coverage over time

This orbital configuration ensures optimal lighting conditions for Earth observation and supports consistent image acquisition for surveillance tasks.

### Technical Classification
- **Instance Of**: Military satellite, Earth observation satellite  
- **Aliases**: CARTOSAT-2A, CartoSat 2A  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2008-021A  
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 32783  

### International Identification
- Listed in multiple international databases including Freebase (/m/04132qx) and Wolfram Language (Entity["Satellite", "32783"])
- Referenced across 9 language editions of Wikipedia, including English, French, German, Hindi, and others

### Legacy and Context
Cartosat-2A is part of ISRO’s ongoing effort to build indigenous space-based surveillance systems. It follows earlier missions like Cartosat-2 and precedes later variants such as Cartosat-2B, forming a lineage of advanced Earth observation platforms tailored for strategic needs.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/launchers/list-of-pslv-launches)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013