Resourcesat 2

Description

Resourcesat 2, an Indian satellite, was launched from Sriharikota on 20 April 2011 at 04:42 UT. The satellite weighed 1.206 tonnes and was launched by a PSLV-C16 rocket. The spacecraft carries three visible and infrared cameras with a peak resolution of 5.8 m. The imagers are upgraded versions of the cameras flying on Resourcesat 1, an aging predecessor satellite that has already outlived its lifetime projection. Resourcesat 2 also features advanced and miniaturized electronics and carries an experimental ship-tracking Automatic Identification System instrument to collect position, speed and other information from seagoing vessels. It will also help officials respond to natural disasters, monitor agriculture, and manage urban and rural roads and infrastructure. Resourcesat 2 has a design life of at least five years.