Resourcesat2

Resourcesat2, also known as IRS-P6, is an Indian Earth observation satellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Launched on July 17, 2011, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, it is part of the Resourcesat series, designed primarily for resource monitoring and management.

The satellite operates in a Sun-synchronous polar orbit at an altitude of approximately 817 kilometers, with an inclination of 98.7 degrees. Its mission lifespan is five years, though it has demonstrated extended operational capability beyond this period. Resourcesat2 carries three primary sensors: the Linear Imaging Self-Scanning Sensor-3 (LISS-3), the Linear Imaging Self-Scanning Sensor-4 (LISS-4), and the Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS). These instruments provide multispectral imaging capabilities, enabling applications in agriculture, forestry, water resource management, disaster monitoring, and urban planning.

LISS-3 operates in the visible and near-infrared spectrums with a spatial resolution of 23.5 meters, while LISS-4 offers higher resolution imaging at 5.8 meters. AWiFS provides broader coverage with a spatial resolution of 56 meters, capturing images in four spectral bands. The satellite’s data is utilized by various government agencies, research institutions, and private entities for environmental monitoring, crop health assessment, and infrastructure development.

Resourcesat2 is a follow-up to the original Resourcesat1 (IRS-P3), launched in 1999, and serves as a key asset in India’s Earth observation capabilities. Its success has contributed to advancements in remote sensing technology and strengthened India’s role in global space-based monitoring efforts. The satellite continues to provide valuable data, supporting sustainable development and disaster response initiatives.