KOCHI: Isro centres are all set for the upcoming launch of radar imaging earth observation satellite RISAT-2B on board the launch vehicle PSLV-C46 on May 22 at 5.07am. This launch is unique in many ways as it supports surveillance better and is set to hire a new ground station in Australia to communicate and track this launch. The public can witness the launch live from Launch View Gallery at Space theme Park, Sriharikota .

"This RISAT-2B launch on board PSLV-C46 rocket on May 22 is unique as it will be placed in an orbit of 555 km at an inclination of 37 degrees. This inclination supports surveillance better. We are also hiring a ground station in Australia for this launch, for tracking the PSLV during its terminal phase and to watch satellite separation," Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) director S Somanath told TOI.

"In this mission a piggy back flight of on-board computer system with a processor chip 'Vikram' realised in Indian foundry is included. This processor chip will be used in the computers in all the future launch vehicles," he said.

"This mission also hosts the test flight of a low cost inertial sensor platform working with the NavIC aid, which could be used in future small satellite launch vehicle, SSLV," he said.

A messaging interface is embedded in the NavIC system which allows the command center to send warnings to a specific geographic area. For example, fishermen using the system can be warned about a cyclone.

A scientist at VSSC said, "The angle of inclination of this satellite will help in surveillance for defence purposes too".

The ground stations in Australia are used to communicate and track satellites. Currently, these are established by the US, European Union and Japan. It is run by Australian government agencies with NASA , US and European space agency.

VSSC scientists informed that for the public to witness the launch live from Sriharikota launch gallery, they need to register online on www.shar.gov.in/VSCRegistration/index.jsp

