The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) today successfully launched the     advanced earth observation satellite Resourcesat-2 through its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Sri Hari Kota launching pad near Nellore in Andhra Pradesh.

With the today’s launch, India turned into a global leader in the remote sensing-satellite launching business. 

The PSLV rocket soared into the heavens at the pre-determined dot of 10.15 am carrying the Resourcesat-2 built at a cost of Rs.140 Cr. The remote sensing satellite, carrying three sophisticated cameras and an additional equipment called AIS (Automatic Information System) from COMDEV, Canada, will last for a period of five years orbiting around the earth and sending data to ground stations.

The PSLV rocket also carried with it into space two small satellites, one of which belonged to Singapore. The Resourcesat-2 will replace Resourcesat-1 sent into space in 2003. The launch was originally planned for January but postponed to February and then finally to April 20.

With the launch of Resourcesat-2, ISRO will now be commanding 10 remote sensing satellites orbiting the earth for various communication purposes.