Article Posted on : - Apr 02, 2012

An unrelated file photo.

BANGALORE (PTI): After its launch was put off apparently due to ISRO row, India's indigenously designed and developed all-weather satellite that has the unique capability of imaging during day and night may be launched on April 20, a "lucky" day for the space agency.

As preparations were underway for the blast-off from India's spaceport at Sriharikota, Hyderabad, ISRO is looking at 'lucky April 20'.

RISAT-1, a Radar Imaging Satellite with the capability to take images of the Earth during day and night as well as in cloudy conditions, is a first of its kind developed by India and has already reached the spaceport after being transported from here.

India had launched RISAT-2, which it bought from Israel for $110 million, on April 20, 2009, and Resourcesat-2 mission took place on the same day last year. Both were successful ventures.

"April 20 is a lucky day for us", an ISRO official told PTI here. After back-to-back failures of GSLV -- one with Russian engine and another with homegrown one -- this statement did not come as a surprise.

RISAT-1, weighing around 1,850 kg, is slated for launch by ISRO's workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C19 (XL)) into a 536 km orbit.

RISAT-2 with all weather capability and ability to penetrate through clouds was realised in association with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). RISAT-2, primarily a spy satellite, is being used solely for Defence applications, keeping an eye on the borders and the country's neighbourhood.

"This satellite (RISAT-2) can sharply focus on metallic objects", an ISRO official said.

"The RISAT-1 will be useful for monitoring of agriculture and water resources management, among other applications", said the official, who added that this satellite would not be used for defence applications as RISAT-2 is already doing that job.