With the launch of Risat-2b, the ‘cloud-proof’ spy satellite, India has achieved yet another milestone in its ambitious space mission programme. Sending satellites into space have become regular during last few years and each successful launch brings along with a great sense of satisfaction for all Indians. But this one has generated extra curiosity since it promises to perform the task of espionage with great deal of accuracy even under adverse weather conditions, leaving no room for doubts when it comes to all future Balakot-like assignments. If the spy satellite’s main intention is to serve and strengthen the country’s strategic defence mechanism by detecting hostile installations across borders, it will also be a great aid for well-being of the civilians as it has capabilities for monitoring agriculture, forestry and possible disaster zones. Made at Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad using homemade Vikram processor for the first time, the whole project can aptly be termed as indigenous.
And all credit must go to Indian Space Research Organisation, which since its launch in 1969 has played stellar roles in harnessing space technology for development of the nation. From an humble beginning, it is now one of the largest domestic communications satellite systems in entire Asia-Pacific region helping the nation 24x7 in weather forecasting, disaster warning and a long list of activities which have direct bearing in our day to day lives. Milestones are many, but the watershed years need special mentioning. 1975 will be particularly remembered not only because of the launch of country’s first satellite ‘Aryabhatta’, but also for commencement of Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) which is actually the first major breakthrough in television broadcasting in India. Again, if 1982 was the country’s Asian Games year, it will also be remembered as INSAT year, the first bold step to be self-sufficient in technologies of communications, meteorology and rescue undertakings. Also, Rakesh Sharma is now permanently a part of GK books for being the first Indian cosmonaut to step into space in 1984. But 2008 will always be remembered for India’s first unmanned mission to moon using spacecraft ‘Chandrayaan’. 2018 has proved to be one of the busiest year for ISRO which has seen launching of various satellites for boosting internet connectivity and reducing data costs. GSAT-29 is particularly important for Northeast since its mission is to integrate the region with mainstream ‘Digital India’.
By accomplishing missions with major emphasis on addressing the immediate problems of the common man through space technologies, ISRO is proving to be a trusted guide for a better India. And coming July will also rob a good amount of attention when it launches the prestigious Chandrayaan-2 mission.