RISAT-2 not a spy satellite: ISRO chief

[friendly_iconoclast]

Source: The Times of India

RISAT-2 not a spy satellite: ISRO chief
20 Apr 2009, 1300 hrs IST, IANS

SRIHARIKOTA: The radar imaging satellite (RISAT-2) launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from Sriharikota on Monday is owned and
operated by ISRO, its chief said, dismissing reports labelling RISAT-2 a "spy satellite".

"This is an imaging satellite that can identify features on ground. There is nothing as a spy satellite. Though the satellite has a global coverage we will use it only for our use," ISRO chief G Madhavan Nair told reporters at a post-launch press conference.

He was reacting to media reports terming RISAT a spy satellite or defence surveillance satellite launched by ISRO's workhorse rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) early morning on Monday.

However, informed sources said the satellite's synthetic aperture radar gives it day-night capability and the ability to look through clouds and fog, thus giving it defence applications.

Read more: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-4422951,prtpage-1.cms

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It's a spy satellite, kids. There is no other current use for synthetic apeture radar. Also, Nair is
quoted later in the article as saying that the inclination of launch was chosen so that the same point
on the globe could be revisited later.

Another sign that the India/Pakistan/Afghanistan situation is heating up. Keep a close eye out for
further developments

[Orrex]

1. What? Are they too good for GoogleMaps?

That's what I always use when I'm getting ready to nuke my neighbors.

[friendly_iconoclast]

2. What would *you* do if it looked possible that the equivalents of Warren Jeffs could get nukes?

Seriously, it's so they can get updated images every 90 minutes 24/7, regardless of weather or nightfall.

An immense advantage for the Indian military, as Pakistan doesn't have any anti-satellite capability
at the moment.

[Orrex]

3. You're right, of course--it's obviously a spy satellite

I'd say that Pakistan is in quite a bit of trouble.

[AtheistCrusader]

4. India has been quite forward in dealing with the recent piracy issues.

This tool could be useful in that endeavor as well. If something happened between India and Pakistan, I'm sure it would be used, but it does have other applications that are of interest to India.

[geckosfeet]

5. Right. And militaries and governments around the world are rejoicing that

their well hidden tree forts and dungeons are now subject to public scrutiny.

[jmowreader]

6. Boy, THAT's a stretch...

Mr. Nair, please explain to us the difference between "an imaging satellite that can identify features on ground" with a synthetic aperture radar onboard, like you just launched, and a photoreconnaissance satellite.

Come on. If you're going to launch a spy satellite then deny it is one, at least do us a favor and make some shit up about what it does.