# RISAT-2

> Indian radar-imaging reconnaissance satellite, reentered in 2022

**Wikidata**: [Q1549353](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1549353)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RISAT-2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/risat-2

## Summary
RISAT-2 is an Indian radar-imaging reconnaissance satellite that was launched in 2009 and reentered Earth's atmosphere in 2022. It was part of India's Radar Imaging Satellite series and operated in a sun-synchronous orbit, providing military reconnaissance capabilities.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Reconnaissance satellite and synthetic aperture radar satellite
- **Launch Date**: April 20, 2009
- **Reentry Date**: October 30, 2022
- **Operator**: Indian Air Force and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- **Manufacturer**: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- **Launch Vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-CA (PSLV-CA)
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Predecessor**: RISAT-1
- **Country of Origin**: India
- **COSPAR ID**: 2009-019A

## FAQs
### Q: What was RISAT-2 used for?
A: RISAT-2 was a radar-imaging reconnaissance satellite designed to collect data for military and intelligence applications, operating in a sun-synchronous orbit.

### Q: When was RISAT-2 launched?
A: RISAT-2 was launched on April 20, 2009, using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-CA (PSLV-CA) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad.

### Q: Why did RISAT-2 reenter Earth's atmosphere?
A: RISAT-2 reentered Earth's atmosphere on October 30, 2022, after completing its mission. The reentry occurred at approximately 00:06 UTC.

### Q: Who operated RISAT-2?
A: RISAT-2 was operated by both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

### Q: What was RISAT-2's predecessor?
A: RISAT-2 was preceded by RISAT-1, another Indian Earth observation satellite.

## Why It Matters
RISAT-2 played a crucial role in India's military reconnaissance capabilities by providing high-resolution radar imagery for intelligence and defense purposes. As part of the Radar Imaging Satellite series, it contributed to India's growing space-based surveillance infrastructure. Its reentry in 2022 marked the end of its operational life, but it had previously supported critical military and strategic applications. The satellite's launch and operation were significant milestones for India's space program, demonstrating its ability to develop and deploy advanced reconnaissance technologies.

## Notable For
- **First Indian SAR Satellite**: RISAT-2 was one of the first Indian satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR), enabling all-weather imaging capabilities.
- **Military Collaboration**: It was jointly operated by the Indian Air Force and ISRO, highlighting India's integration of space assets into military operations.
- **Sun-Synchronous Orbit**: Its orbit allowed for consistent imaging conditions, crucial for reconnaissance missions.
- **Precursor to Later Satellites**: RISAT-2 set the foundation for subsequent satellites in India's Radar Imaging Satellite series.

## Body
### Overview
RISAT-2 was an Indian radar-imaging reconnaissance satellite launched on April 20, 2009, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-CA (PSLV-CA) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad. It was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and operated by both the Indian Air Force and ISRO. The satellite was part of India's Radar Imaging Satellite series and was designed to provide military reconnaissance capabilities.

### Technical Specifications
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **COSPAR ID**: 2009-019A
- **Reentry**: October 30, 2022, at approximately 00:06 UTC

### Mission and Operations
RISAT-2 was equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR), allowing it to capture high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions. It supported India's military and intelligence operations by providing critical reconnaissance data. The satellite's reentry in 2022 marked the end of its operational life, but it had previously contributed significantly to India's space-based surveillance capabilities.

### Historical Context
RISAT-2 followed the RISAT-1 satellite, which was also an Indian Earth observation satellite. The launch of RISAT-2 was a key development in India's space program, demonstrating its ability to deploy advanced reconnaissance technologies. The satellite's reentry in 2022 was a notable event, concluding its mission after several years of service.

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## References

1. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/launchers/list-of-pslv-launches)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/Atmospheric_Re_entryRISAT2.html)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013