On April 26, 2012 at 00:17 UTC the PSLV-C19 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket-carrier was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center on Sriharikota Island, India's primary launch site on the country's east coast. The rocket orbited the "Risat-1” radar surveillance satellite designed to obtain all-weather, day-and-night ground imagery for national security and environmental applications. This satellite marks a significant leap for India.
It is the country's first indigenous radar observation satellite after a successful series of optical and infrared imaging missions. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) developed the satellite to help emergency officials respond to disasters like floods and cyclones. The RISAT 1 will also monitor crops during India's monsoon season.
