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Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 ISRO Mission: Launch Date, Status & Objectives
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India’s space programme, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has evolved from modest beginnings into one of the most respected space agencies in the world. Over the years, ISRO has designed and executed a range of missions—from satellite navigation, Earth observation, interplanetary exploration, to solar studies—that have not only enhanced India’s technological self-reliance but also contributed to global scientific collaboration. Its cost-effective approaches and mission diversity—from Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan to Aditya-L1 and the upcoming Gaganyaan—have become case studies in innovation.
For UPSC aspirants, ISROs journey is more than current affairs—it directly intersects with the syllabus of General Studies Paper 3 (Science & Technology), provides examples for GS Paper 2 (International Relations, Governance), and can enrich perspectives in the Essay Paper, Ethics, and even Optional subjects like Geography or PSIR. In this article, we will explore detailed insights about ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.
ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 Mission Overview
Among ISRO’s various projects, Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 mission represents a targeted effort within the domain of Earth Observation (Radar Imaging).The Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 mission was designed to operate in Earth.
- PSLV-C48 (QL) served as the launch platform for Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1.
- Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota hosted the missions launch activities.
- ISRO developed Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 with the core goal of Radar imaging for various applications.
- As a secondary focus, Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 was intended to Agriculture, forestry, disaster management.
- According to available records, the mission status is Operational.
Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 Space Mission Overview for UPSC |
|
Mission Name |
Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 |
Mission Abbreviation |
RISAT-2BR1 |
Mission Type |
Earth Observation (Radar Imaging) |
Target Celestial Body or Orbit |
Earth |
Primary Objective |
Radar imaging for various applications |
Secondary Objectives |
Agriculture, forestry, disaster management |
Mission Status |
Operational |
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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 Mission
- ISRO conducted the launch of Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 on December 11, 2019, as per mission planning.
- According to available documentation, Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 has a planned operational life extending to 5 years.
Timeline & Milestones
Proposal Date
N/A
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date
N/A
Assembly Complete Date
N/A
Launch Date
December 11, 2019
Landing / Flyby Date
N/A
End of Primary Mission Date
5 years
Timeline & Milestones |
|
Proposal Date |
N/A |
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date |
N/A |
Assembly Complete Date |
N/A |
Launch Date |
December 11, 2019 |
Landing / Flyby Date |
N/A |
End of Primary Mission Date |
5 years |
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ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 Mission Technical Specifications
628 kg lift-off mass, 36m radial rib antenna defined the operational capabilities of RISAT-2BR1, supporting its deployment into Earth.For Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1, mission planners determined LEO, 576 km altitude, 37° inclination to be optimal based on the payload configuration and coverage zone.
- As part of RISAT-2BR1, ISRO included X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to facilitate the mission’s primary and secondary objectives.
- As part of the onboard communication setup, X-band (Data reception) were deployed to maintain consistent mission control contact.
- X-band SAR, unfurlable antenna formed the core technological base for the Earth Observation (Radar Imaging) mission Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1.
Technical Specifications |
|
Spacecraft Technical Specifications |
628 kg lift-off mass, 36m radial rib antenna |
Scientific Payloads |
X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) |
Orbit Details |
LEO, 576 km altitude, 37° inclination |
Communication Frequencies / Band |
X-band (Data reception) |
Key Technologies Used |
X-band SAR, unfurlable antenna |
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Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 Launch Information
- ISRO scheduled the Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 mission for launch on December 11, 2019.
- To execute the launch of Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1, the PSLV-C48 (QL) was deployed.
- Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota was the designated launch complex for this mission.
Launch Information
Launch Vehicle
PSLV-C48 (QL)
Launch Site
Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
Launch Information |
|
Launch Vehicle |
PSLV-C48 (QL) |
Launch Site |
Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota |
Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?
ISRO worked together to deliver the mission objectives.Commercial participation in the mission came from NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for commercial satellites.
- As part of its global outreach, Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 involved technical or launch support from Launched 9 commercial satellites (Israel, Italy, Japan, USA).
- Mission documentation states that Distributed by NRSC is responsible for distributing the data outputs of Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1.
Stakeholders & Collaboration |
|
Agencies Involved |
ISRO |
Commercial Partners |
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for commercial satellites |
International Partners |
Launched 9 commercial satellites (Israel, Italy, Japan, USA) |
Payload Contributions by Partners |
None for RISAT-2BR1 itself |
Data Sharing Policy |
Distributed by NRSC |
Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 Mission
The mission is remembered for its contribution as 50th PSLV mission, 75th launch from SDSC.The mission supported both research and practical applications through its data, including High-resolution radar imagery.
- Agriculture, forestry, disaster management, reconnaissance are among the key civilian benefits derived from RISAT-2BR1.
- The mission was conceptualized in line with broader policy directions, including All-weather surveillance, national security, border monitoring.
- ISRO is expected to build upon the foundation laid by Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 through future initiatives such as EOS-01 (RISAT-2BR2), further RISAT series satellites, aiming to strengthen capabilities in this domain.
Outputs, Applications & Impact of Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 Mission |
|
Data Outputs and Applications |
High-resolution radar imagery |
Major Achievements |
50th PSLV mission, 75th launch from SDSC |
Applications in Civilian Life |
Agriculture, forestry, disaster management, reconnaissance |
Impact on Policy & Global Collaboration |
N/A |
Environmental Impact & Sustainability |
N/A |
Strategic Significance & Policy Alignment |
All-weather surveillance, national security, border monitoring |
Follow-up Missions or Extensions |
EOS-01 (RISAT-2BR2), further RISAT series satellites |
Cost Estimate |
N/A |
ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation
Risks, Failures & Mitigation |
|
Challenges Faced |
N/A |
Risk Mitigation Measures |
N/A |
Failures or Anomalies |
N/A |
Corrective Actions Taken |
N/A |
Lessons Learned |
N/A |
UPSC Relevance of ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-2BR1 Space Mission
- Candidates should be able to identify which ISRO mission belongs to which application area, such as communication, meteorology, navigation, or planetary exploration.
- Writing effective GS answers often involves citing ISRO’s missions as examples of indigenous technological advancement, innovation, and self-reliance under programs like ‘Make in India’ or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
- Real-life stories of scientists, mission delays, and persistent problem-solving offer examples of ethical leadership and perseverance under constraints.
- Missions like Cartosat or Resourcesat allow candidates to bring satellite-based data into answers dealing with urban planning, hydrology, and land-use studies.
Past UPSC Mains PYQs on ISRO Space Missions
Q1. Discuss the role of the private sector in the growth of the space industry in India. How has the governments policy of 2023 affected it? (2023, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)
Q2. What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (2022 & 2019, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)
Q3. Space has been the next big frontier for mankind after sea and land. In this context, discuss Indias policy and preparedness for space wars. (2019, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)
Q4. Discuss the utility of the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) for India. (2016, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)
Q5. What do you understand by Standard Positioning Systems and Precision Positioning Systems in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites. (2015, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)
Past UPSC Prelims PYQs on ISRO Space Missions
Q1 [2025]: GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) I, II and III
(b) II and III only
(c) I only
(d) I and II only
Correct Answer: (d) I and II only
Explanation: Statements I and II correctly describe the core purpose and benefit of the GAGAN system. (I) GAGAN is designed to augment GPS signals by correcting for errors, which provides much greater accuracy and guarantees the integrity (reliability) of the positioning information. (II) This enhanced accuracy and reliability directly enables more precise aircraft routing and landing procedures, thus improving the uniformity and quality of air traffic management.
Q2 [2022]: If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Answer: The correct answer is (c).
Explanation: A major solar storm can disrupt GPS, power grids, satellite orbits, polar radio communication, and cause auroras, but cannot trigger tsunamis or forest fires.
Q3 [2020]: The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to
(a) Voyager-2
(b) New horizons
(c) Lisa Pathfinder
(d) Evolved LISA
Answer: The correct answer is (d) Evolved LISA.
Explanation: Evolved LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a planned space-based gravitational wave observatory by ESA and NASA, using three spacecraft in a triangular formation with laser beams to detect cosmic gravitational waves.
Q4 [2016]: Consider the following statements:
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Mangalyaan is the informal name of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), launched by ISRO on 5 November 2013 and India is the only nation to date to have succeeded on its maiden attempt.
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UPSC Practice Questions on ISRO Space Missions
Q1. The name of the organisations which are associated in the Chandrayan I mission are given below. Identify the wrong one
1. ISRO
2. BARC
3. NASA
4. ONGC
Answer: ONGC
Solution: ONGC is a public sector enterprise in India primarily engaged in exploration and production of oil and natural gas. It is not associated with space missions or the Chandrayaan I mission. ONGC focuses on the oil and energy sector, with no involvement in space technology or lunar exploration.
Q2. Which report did ISRO release in 2023?
1. Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR)
2. Space Exploration Strategy Report (SESR)
3. Mars Mission Report (MMR)
4. Lunar Exploration Report (LER)
Answer: Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR)
Solution: Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) was released by ISRO in 2023. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of space situational awareness, covering aspects such as satellite health, space debris, and potential collision risks. The ISSAR is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of space operations by monitoring and managing space traffic. It reflects ISRO's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by increasing congestion in Earth's orbit.
Q3. What is the thrust class of the SCE-200 liquid rocket engine developed by ISRO?
1. 1MN
2. 2MN
3. 3MN
4. 4MN
Answer: 2MN
Solution: The thrust class of the SCE-200 liquid rocket engine developed by ISRO is 2MN. The SCE-200 is a semi-cryogenic engine being developed to power future launch vehicles of ISRO. This engine runs on a combination of liquid oxygen and kerosene, which provides higher efficiency and performance. The development of the SCE-200 is part of ISRO's efforts to enhance its launch capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign technology.
Q4. Which of the following are the major missions of Indian Space Research Organization in 2023?
1. Chandrayaan-3
2. Solar Mission Aditya-L1
3. Liquid fuel powered rockets
4. Solar powered rockets
Select the answer using the code given below:
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1, 2 and 3
3. 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: 1 and 2 only
Solution: Major Missions of Indian Space Research Organization in 2023 include Chandrayaan-3 and Solar Mission Aditya-L1. Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar exploration mission developed by ISRO, aiming to demonstrate the ability to perform a soft landing on the Moon. Solar Mission Aditya-L1 is India's first dedicated mission to study the Sun. Liquid fuel powered rockets and solar powered rockets are not considered major missions by themselves.
Q5. Which Hyderabad-based startup received approval from IN-SPACe to offer Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS)?
1. Pixxel
2. Dhruva Space
3. Skyroot Aerospace
4. Agnikul Cosmos
Answer: Dhruva Space
Solution: Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space has received approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center (IN-SPACe) to offer Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS). GSaaS offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional ground station setups in India, reducing high upfront costs. Dhruva Space's mission-agnostic approach allows satellite operators to flexibly scale ground station resources according to mission needs.
Q6. Consider the following statements with reference to Gaganyaan:
I. Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft intended to be the formative spacecraft of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.
II. ISRO announced Vyommitra, a Male Robot who will accompany other astronauts in the mission.
III. The crewed vehicle is planned to be launched on ISRO's GSLV Mk II.
IV. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will provide support for critical human-centric systems and technologies in this mission.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. I and II only
2. I and III only
3. II and IV only
4. I and IV only
Answer: I and IV only
Solution: Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft intended to be the formative spacecraft of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will provide support for critical human-centric systems and technologies in this mission. However, Vyommitra is a female robot announced by ISRO, not a male robot, and the crewed vehicle is planned to be launched on ISRO's GSLV Mk III, not GSLV Mk II.
Q7. Which Launcher is used for Chandrayan-3?
1. GSLV
2. LVSM
3. GSLV-Mk3
4. PSLV
Answer: GSLV-Mk3
Solution: The GSLV-Mk3, also known as the LVM-3, is the launch vehicle used for Chandrayaan-3. It is an expendable launch vehicle developed by ISRO, capable of carrying heavier payloads. This launcher is designed to carry payloads up to 4000 kg to Geostationary Transfer Orbit and 10000 kg to Low Earth Orbit.
Q8. The first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray optical and ultraviolet spectral bands simultaneously is
1. Chandrayaan-2
2. Gaganyaan
3. Astrosat
4. Cartosat
Answer: Astrosat
Solution: Astrosat is India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory launched by ISRO. It was launched on 28 September 2015 by the PSLV-C30 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Astrosat is capable of observing celestial objects in X-ray, ultraviolet, and optical spectral bands simultaneously.
Q9. 'Aditya Mission' refers to:
1. India's anti diphtheria program
2. India's Tourism Promotion Program
3. Agricultural Extension Program for farmers
4. India's solar exploration Program
Answer: India's solar exploration Program
Solution: Aditya-L1 Mission is India’s first dedicated solar mission aimed at studying the Sun. The mission is being developed by ISRO. The Aditya-L1 spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange Point 1, which is approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.
Q10. When was ISRO's first solar mission Aditya L1 mission launched successfully?
1. 2nd August, 2023
2. 2nd September, 2023
3. 15th August, 2023
4. 15th September, 2023
Answer: 2nd September, 2023
Solution: ISRO successfully launched its first solar mission, Aditya L1, on 2nd September 2023 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mission aims to study the Sun's corona, solar winds, magnetic fields, and other solar phenomena to improve our understanding of space weather.
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