Space

India's spy satellite to eye terrorists, infiltrators

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, April 8, IRNA -- India will launch a spy satellite from Sriharikota spaceport on April 20 primarily to keep an eye on its borders round-the-clock and help the government in anti-infiltration and anti-terrorist operations.

The 300-kg radar-imaging satellite has been built by Israel and is set to blast-off on board India's home-grown rocket, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), PTI reported.

This remote-sensing advanced imaging satellite, to be positioned 550 km above the earth, has all-weather capabilities.

It carries Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload, which can take images during day, night and all weather conditions including under cloud cover, a capability that Indian satellites do not have.

Given the sensitiveness of the venture, the Indian Space Research Organization is tight-lipped over the mission, not giving out much details.

A senior ISRO official said that the significance of the satellite is its all-weather capability.

"It will be primarily used for defense and surveillance. The satellite also has good application in the area of disaster management and in managing cyclones, floods and agriculture-related activities," he said.