RISAT-1B Satellite: India’s answer to Pahalgam’s tragedy
India’s space prowess is set to soar with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launching RISAT-1B, also called EOS-09, on May 18, 2025, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This radar imaging satellite, the seventh in the RISAT series, comes days after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, making its role in national security vital. Launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61) XL at 6:59 am IST, the 1,710 kg RISAT-1B will orbit at 529 km in a sun-synchronous path, equipped with C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for all-weather surveillance. As India strengthens its borders post-Pahalgam, this satellite promises to be a game-changer. Let’s explore the RISAT series’ evolution and how RISAT-1B fits into this legacy.
The RISAT Series: A Shield in the Sky
The RISAT (Radar Imaging Satellite) series began as a response to India’s security needs, particularly after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Designed for dual civilian and military use, these satellites use SAR to capture high-resolution images, unaffected by weather or time of day. The series includes RISAT-2, RISAT-1, RISAT-1A, RISAT-2B, RISAT-2BR1, and RISAT-2BR2, each advancing India’s ability to monitor borders and counter threats. RISAT-1B’s launch marks another milestone in this journey.
Evolution of the RISAT Series
Each RISAT satellite has brought technological leaps, enhancing India’s surveillance capabilities. Here’s a look at their development:
– RISAT-2 (2009): Launched in April 2009, RISAT-2 was India’s first dedicated radar imaging satellite, developed with Israel’s assistance. Weighing 300 kg, it used an X-band SAR with a resolution of about 1 meter. Deployed post-Mumbai attacks, it focused on border surveillance, helping security forces track infiltration. Its compact design and agility made it a vital asset for early counter-terrorism efforts.
– RISAT-1 (2012): Launched in April 2012, RISAT-1 was India’s first indigenously developed SAR satellite. Operating in C-band, it offered resolutions from 1 to 50 meters, suitable for both civilian (agriculture, disaster management) and military purposes. At 1,858 kg, it was heavier, orbiting at 536 km. Its versatility allowed monitoring of terrorist hideouts and border activities, laying the foundation for future RISATs.
– RISAT-1A (2022) : Also known as EOS-04, RISAT-1A was launched in February 2022. A follow-on to RISAT-1, it used C-band SAR with improved imaging capabilities. Weighing 1,852 kg, it orbited at 529 km, enhancing border surveillance and disaster monitoring. Its advanced data processing supported real-time intelligence, crucial for operations like the 2016 surgical strikes.
– RISAT-2B (2019): Launched in May 2019, RISAT-2B marked a shift to the RISAT-2 series’ upgrades. Using X-band SAR, it achieved a finer resolution of about 0.5 meters. Weighing 615 kg, it orbited at 557 km, focusing on military surveillance. Its enhanced imaging helped identify small objects, aiding counter-terrorism missions.
– RISAT-2BR1 (2019): Launched in December 2019, RISAT-2BR1 pushed boundaries with a resolution of 0.35 meters, among the finest in the series. Its 628 kg frame carried an advanced X-band SAR, orbiting at 576 km. This satellite played a key role in tracking cross-border threats, offering crystal-clear images for security operations
– RISAT-2BR2 (Proposed/Assumed): While limited details are available, RISAT-2BR2 is part of the series’ ongoing enhancements. Likely similar to RISAT-2BR1, it uses X-band SAR with high-resolution imaging, further strengthening India’s surveillance network.
RISAT-1B: A Timely Addition
RISAT-1B, with its C-band SAR, builds on RISAT-1 and RISAT-1A’s legacy. Its 1,710 kg frame and 529 km orbit ensure comprehensive coverage of India’s landmass. Key features include:
– All-Weather Imaging: Unaffected by clouds or darkness, it ensures constant monitoring.
– High-Resolution Surveillance: Capable of detecting small objects, critical for identifying terrorist movements.
– Dual-Use Capability: Supports civilian tasks like agriculture and disaster management alongside military operations.
Post-Pahalgam, RISAT-1B’s launch aligns with Operation Sindoor, enhancing India’s ability to monitor terrorist activities. Its data will support swift responses, preventing infiltration and ensuring national safety.
The Road Ahead: NISAR and Beyond
ISRO isn’t stopping here. In June 2025, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite will launch aboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F16). This joint India-US project will use dual L-band and S-band SAR for global monitoring, with applications in climate, agriculture, and security. NISAR’s advanced imaging will complement the RISAT series, creating a robust surveillance network.
Why RISAT-1B Matters
The Pahalgam attack underscored the need for vigilant border monitoring. RISAT-1B, with its cutting-edge technology, strengthens India’s skyward defence. The RISAT series has evolved from RISAT-2’s basic imaging to RISAT-2BR1’s pinpoint accuracy, and RISAT-1B continues this trend. Its ability to provide real-time, weather-proof intelligence will deter cross-border threats, building on successes like the 2016 surgical strikes. As India prepares for NISAR, the RISAT series remains a cornerstone of its security strategy, ensuring the nation stays one step ahead of its adversaries.
In a world of evolving threats, RISAT-1B is more than a satellite—it’s a symbol of India’s resolve to protect its borders, inspired by tragedies like Pahalgam. With ISRO’s relentless innovation, the skies are not just a frontier but a shield for the nation.
(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science writer and Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@gmail.com)
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