India Launches $200M TECSAR Spy Satellite

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TECSAR(click to view full) The April 20/09 launch of the RISAT-2 satellite gives India the ability to monitor cross-border movements of suspected terrorists, as well as troop movements in Pakistan and other neighboring countries, at night and under all weather conditions. The satellite was reportedly a modified TECSAR satellite, purchased from Israel Aerospace Industries for $200 million. Indian sources state that the satellite launch was accelerated after the recent terrorist attack in Mumbai. The 300 kg/ 660 pound TECSAR’s military X-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) provides up to 1 meter radar resolution was carried into low earth orbit aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C-12) from the Satish Dhawan Space Center located on the barrier island of Sriharikota in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The PSLV-C-12 also carried the 40 kg/ 88 pound experimental communication ANUSAT satellite built by Chennai-based Anna University. The satellite purchase marks a growing military relationship between India and Israel… TECSAR(click to view full) In January of 2008, India reportedly launched a TECSAR satellite for Israel aboard a PSLV-C-12 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Center. Israel has used its own “Shavit” rocket for other launches, but working with India widens Israel’s placement and payload […]

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